We WON’T crack, says Tavernier

JAMES TAVERNIER insists Rangers won’t crack under the pressure of trying to halt Celtic reaching Nine-in-a-row. The Ibrox captain admits he has seen players wilt in the Old Firm spotlight in the past. And that heat will only intensify this season as Neil Lennon’s side try to move one step closer to an unprecedented ten successive league titles. However, ahead of Sunday’s Premiership opener at Kilmarnock, Tavernier says Steven Gerrard’s men will go into the new campaign with their eyes wide open about the pressure they will be under. ‘It’s going to be a huge season, definitely,’ said the full-back. ‘The gaffer has already highlighted to all the boys how big a season it is going to be. ‘Can the expectation from outside

crush players? Yes, I have seen it happen. You need to see who can cope and who can’t. ‘Once the new campaign unfolds, they will see how chaotic it can get. But we have a good group of boys and we will let them know what’s in store.’ Last season, discipline was an issue at Rangers as they picked up a total of 12 red cards. That led to manager Gerrard implementing a new, tougher code of conduct ahead of the new season, aimed at curbing his team’s crime count. Tavernier revealed that he helped draw up the new rules — which include fines for red cards and suspensions — and believes the move will boost his side’s chances of lifting silverware. ‘Yes, me and the gaffer had a chat and I definitely welcome it,’ said the Englishman. ‘Last season, we had too many red cards and suspensions. ‘Results might have gone different ways if we had all our players available. ‘Now, we’ve got new fines for discipline. None of the boys want these fines because they are hefty. ‘So, hopefully, that sticks in the back of their heads and nothing stupid happens this season. ‘We want the gaffer to have a headache at weekends with a full team to select. ‘There’s not a lot you can do about an injury but we don’t want people missing due to suspension.’ Looking confidently ahead to the league season, Tavernier said of Gerrard’s new and improved squad: ‘I feel we are a lot better. The only player who you would say is not here is Ryan Kent, who was great last season. ‘The new lads — Jordan (Jones), Joe Aribo, George (Edmundson) at the back — have added strength and depth to the squad. ‘The squad is better than last season. I believe we can do a really good job. ‘The new boys have really kept up the standard. ‘Even throughout last season, the standards were very high. It’s down to me and the other senior boys to give anyone a kick up the backside if they are slacking. ‘The consistency just needs to be a mental thing. For every single game, we can’t take our foot off the gas. ‘We have to keep on being relentless and play at 120 per cent for the full 90 minutes.’