Video nasty has convinced Tav Gers are close
James Tavernier sat alone and put himself through the agony of watching his side’s Betfred Cup Final defeat by Celtic for a second time.
It was a painful e x p e r i e n c e, b ut the En g l i s h m a n believes the Ibrox side can take something positive from their Hampden disappointment.
Tavernier is desperate to lift a major honour as Rangers captain, and it wouldn’t come any bigger than getting his hands on the Premiership trophy. The Ibrox men really need to get something from today’s Old Firm game to stop Celtic pulling away at the top of the table. A repeat of the Cup Final performance, but with added goals, would do nicely.
He said: “I watched it by myself the day after the game. It was hard because you saw how much we dominated the ball and the game in general.
“Fraser Forster had a fantastic game, and, on another day, we could have scored three or four goals.
“But I believe the Cup Final defeat can spur us on. We have belief going into this game after the way we played in the Final.
“The gaffer will have a game plan. If we stick to it, then we can get a result.” The 28- year- old is convinced things are continuing to improve under Steven Gerrard’s guidance, adding: “This is my fifth year here, and the team has changed completely in that time. “We believe in every game against Celtic we are getting better and better, and that was evident in the Final.”
Tavernier’s own displays have been criticised at times, and he doesn’t shy away from that. He confirms there was a one- to- one meeting with Gerrard.
The full-back said: “We had a chat. It was a good chat and something that was needed.
“It has pushed me on. “He wants me to lead by example, and when I’m not doing that, that’s when we have a chat and I get back to it.
“I ’v e always been mentally strong, but I’ve also got the full backing of the gaffer, my teammates and the staff.
“You’re always going to get setbacks, and I relish dealing with those setbacks to prove people wrong.
“I’m always setting the bar higher.” Tavernier maintains he’s happy to take a penalty today, despite l eaving it to Alfredo Morelos at Hampden. “It just comes down to match day and whoever’s selected,” he said. “It has changed in different games and I’d be more than happy to take one.
“T h e r e ’s always pressure at this club. “When you first come to the club, you hear the stories of the legends and what they’ve won.
“The lads here want to be classed as one of them, and the only way you can do that is by winning trophies.
“It has taken a long time, but we’re ver y close.”