Tavernier assesses debutant’s performance
JAMES TAVERNIER is confident there is plenty more to come from new Ibrox arrival James Sands after a solid debut showing against Aberdeen.
The midfielder became Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first signing of the January window when he completed a move from New York City earlier this month.
Sands was pitched straight into action at Pittodrie as he was given a whirlwind introduction to Scottish football during a competitive 1-1 Premiership draw. And Tavernier knows the experience will stand the American in good stead as he seeks to establish himself under Van Bronckhorst’s guidance this term.
Tavernier said: “He’s gelled in really quick to the squad. First game, it’s obviously a big test to come up here but I thought he handled himself really well.
“He’s a player that we can obviously use in the future. He’s a great squad player. He’s got to keep the levels high, especially while Joe [Aribo] is away at the minute. But that’s the quality that we’re bringing in.
“The only thing we’re disappointed with is not coming away from here with the three points. We just need to improve through the week and win the cup game on Friday.”
Rangers were left with only a point to show for their efforts on Tuesday night as Lewis Ferguson cancelled out a Ianis Hagi opener to deny the champions victory. Attentions now turn to the Scottish Cup clash with Stirling Albion and Tavernier expects Van Bronckhorst to ring the changes for the Ibrox fixture.
Tavernier said: “Yeah I think this will be a chance for players to come into the squad that maybe haven’t been getting minutes and really impress the manager.
“The crowd will be wanting us to put a performance on and we need to deliver it and get through to the next round.”