Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PENALTIES UP FOR GRABS AT RANGERS
GARY MCALLISTER has dropped the biggest hint yet that James Tavernier is off penalties for Rangers.
The Ibrox number two revealed a decision has been taken ahead of tonight’s Premiership crunch at Ross County.
Light Blues skipper Tavernier missed his third penalty of the season in Sunday’s narrow 2-1 win over Motherwell at Ibrox, adding to spot kick woes against Progres Niederkorn and Feyenoord.
He had previously missed only two from 22 attempts since moving to Ibrox in a £250,000 bargain deal from Wigan four years ago.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard admitted on Sunday a decision would be taken before the trip to Dingwall and former Scotland captain Mcallister (inset), who knows all about spot kick heartache after Euro 96, suggested Tavernier has been told to step aside.
He said: “Time will tell. It would be unwise for me to give any clues to the people in Dingwall about who’s going to be taking penalties but it’s an issue that’s been sorted.
“I’ve been a penalty misser and it’s part of the territory. There are greater players than James or me who have missed penalties.
“Some of the greatest players on the world scene have missed penalties. It takes strength of character, when the next one comes around, to step forward, but there does come a moment when the situation arises.
“James’ record has been very good – recently not so good – and we’ve addressed it, but I don’t want to give that away.”
Rangers are still sweating over the fitness of Winger Brandon Barker and keeper Allan Mcgregor after their win over the Steelman.
Mcallister said: “Brandon took a blow on his shoulder so we will give him until the last minute.
“We’re still managing Ryan Kent after his previous injury and Allan also took a blow at the weekend, but we are hopeful he will make it.”