Tavernier wants to avoid Astro slip-up before trophy day

James Tavernier insists Rangers are determined not to spoil Saturday’s title party by tripping up on Livingston’s plastic pitch.

The Ibrox faithful have waited a decade to see their team get their hands on Premiership silverware and Tavernier will be the man who steps up to hoist aloft that longed-for trophy after this weekend’s final-day clash with Aberdeen.

But while the anticipation is building among the Rangers support – with Police Scotland chiefs forced to warn fans to stay away from Glasgow city centre amid rumours of largescale gatherings to mark the momentous occasion – the Gers skipper is keeping his mind on the job.

The new champions are just two games away from completing a remarkable undefeated campaign and must overcome Davie Martindale’s Lions tonight before they can focus on leaping the final hurdle at home to the Dons.

“It’s been pretty easy to focus on games because we won the league a good while ago and we’ve had plenty of games since then,” said Tavernier.

“The excitement is building, it will happen on Saturday.

“But we don’t want any hiccups to spoil the good season we’ve had.

“Each day as it goes on the excitement is getting more and more. Our full focus is on tomorrow (tonight) and can focus on Aberdeen.

“After that all the joy and the emotion will just be coming out straight after the game.

“It would be sweet to go the season unbeaten but we know we have two tough games ahead of ourselves and we just have to focus on tomorrow night (tonight) and getting the job done there.

“Obviously we will see what happens against Aberdeen. But our full focus is on and trying to get the job done.

“It will obviously be tough on Wednesday night at Livi on an Astroturf pitch. We know what’s required and we’ve prepared really well during the week.

“We will go there with our game-plan and hopefully we can execute it and get the three points.”

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard insists Ryan Jack will not be rushed back for Champions League qualifying duty despite the Rangers midfielder undergoing surgery on a calf problem.

“Ryan has had successful surgery,” said the Ibrox boss, who confirmed Borna Barisic and Scott Arfield will sit out Wednesday’s trip to Livingston. “We spoke to the surgeon after the operation and he was really happy with how that went.

“He will start his rehab now and hopefully we’ll have him back some time in pre-season.” then we playing

James Tavernier is still aware of the task at hand.