Gerrard in plea to help Tavernier

STEVEN GERRARD has appealed for the Ibrox crowd to stick by suffering Rangers skipper James Tavernier. Gerrard will consider whether to replace the right-back as his side’s designated penalty taker after he missed from the spot for the third time this season in yesterday’s 2-1 comeback win over Motherwell. Those failings from 12 yards have been accompanied by costly mistakes against Young Boys in the Europa League and Hearts in the Premiership during the past four weeks. Gerrard admitted Tavernier is enduring a difficult period, but believes grumbles from the stands are not helping the 27-year-old recapture peak form. The Ibrox captain still had a positive influence on the outcome against Motherwell as

he supplied the corner headed home by Filip Helander in the 80th minute to keep Rangers level with Celtic at the summit. Asked about the possibility of removing the penalty burden from Tavernier, Gerrard said: ‘I will consider it. I don’t think I have to make that decision right now but it’ll be on my mind over the next 24 to 48 hours. ‘I don’t think you can doubt James’ character. He knows that, in the last couple of weeks, he’s in the firing line. ‘I’d like the crowd to help him a bit more. Sometimes when it’s tough and you’re not at your best, you need your crowd to be with you rather than against you. ‘So there’s a plea for the crowd to stay with him as he will play through it and he can change games, like he did for us today. ‘James needs his people now — it’s important. ‘There were a few groans and moans and it doesn’t help. I understand it. I was just as frustrated today. ‘But when you are a player in the firing line and not everything is going for you, you need your people with you. ‘Yes, we haven’t hit the level today, but we are in a good place in the Europa League, have a (Betfred Cup) semifinal next weekend and are top of the league besides goal difference.’ Motherwell took the lead through Devante Cole before Jermain Defoe levelled on the stroke of half-time. Rangers improved in the second period, but Gerrard admitted the points were the only positive he could take after a sluggish display. ‘Today we weren’t at our best but have done ever so well to win,’ added Gerrard. ‘I must give credit and pay respect to Motherwell, who I thought were outstanding.’