RELENTLESS STREAK MUST CONTINUE, SAYS TAVERNIER

JAMeS TAVerNIer insists rangers have to build on the momentum of a six-goal thrashing of Motherwell. Steven Gerrard’s side recovered from a goal down to restore a four-point gap at the top of the Premiership in the perfect preparation for Thursday’s europa League clash with Brondby. Tavernier marked his 30th birthday with the equaliser and two assists — then challenged rangers to maintain the relentless streak they rediscovered at Fir Park after an inconsistent start to the season. ‘We have got to build on this,’ said Tavernier. ‘We are in a good place. ‘We knew we had to respond through the week and we did that. The fans were right behind us, even though we were down, and we responded well just before half-time. ‘We were relentless through the second half and you can see with the amount of goals we scored that we kept on asking questions until the final whistle. We kept after them and we weren’t letting off. ‘We knew it had been coming because we are working hard. I think everything just mixed well; the game plan and everyone’s contributions to it. And the subs as well.’ While Zambian international Fashion Sakala captured the headlines with the first hat-trick of his career, Tavernier sparked the rangers goal rush with a stunning volleyed equaliser before half-time. Admitting he was determined to celebrate a landmark birthday in style, he said: ‘I was on FaceTime to my brother on my way in and I said that at the minimum, I wanted to win. ‘But I wanted to get an assist or a goal and I am happy that I contributed a goal and two assists. ‘I am devastated that Kem (Kemar roofe) knocked Simmo’s (Jack Simpson’s) in or I would have another assist. ‘I try to contribute myself but I thought everyone else stepped up.’ Manager Gerrard described summer signing Sakala as ‘unplayable’. All of the Zambian striker’s four goals have come against Motherwell and some clinical finishing on Sunday earned the praise of his captain. ‘Fashion has been absolutely sensational for us,’ said Tavernier. ‘He has been in the background, working hard, and he got his hat-trick and I am really proud of him. ‘He worked hard from the first whistle to the last whistle. It was a great ball from Steven Davis to get him his hat-trick. ‘He got himself in those positions and he has been rewarded.’