If one of these guys has to go my money’s on 30-goal Alfredo
(That’s how valuable skipper Tav is to Gers)
Kenny Miller became more impressed by James Tavernier as a player with every passing day at Rangers.
But what really bowled him over was how the Rangers captain developed as a man at Ibrox.
Miller still has a farewell message on his mobile phone from the Englishman as a reminder of how well the pair got on at Gers.
And the former striker says the full-back’s conduct when ex-skipper Lee Wallace also left the club this summer is testament to the type of person he is.
Miller believes Tavernier could fetch Rangers in the region of £10million in the transfer market if Steven Gerrard decided to cash in on him.
But he reckons the 27- year- old’s behaviour since taking the armband off Wallace a year ago makes him a priceless commodity.
Miller and Wallace remain good friends and he knows how difficult it was for Tav to take on the role.
But he praised the defender for growing into it and showing the dignity befitting of an Ibrox skipper.
Miller said: “Aside from all the physical attributes, what I look for in a Rangers player is their character.
“A lot of good players have come up from England but could never handle playing for the Old Firm.
“That’s something Tav has quickly grown into. He has embraced what it means to play for that club.
“Soon after he arrived, he realised how big it was and what it meant to fans in the city.
“And he has ended up getting the armband under Stevie. He’ll take that as the honour and privilege it is.
“Tav has always been a respectful guy. When I left the club, he sent me some nice messages that I’ve kept to this day.
“And when Waldo left the club recently, everyone saw Tav’s social media post. That speaks volumes for him.
“Believe me, he means every single word he says because I know the regard with which he held Lee.
“He looked up to him and Waldo helped him when he first came to Rangers.
“James would be the first to speak to new players and help them.
“It was tough for him when he got the captaincy off Lee, considering Waldo was still there at the time. But he did it with dignity and I guarantee that he still will have looked to Lee as his captain even after taking it on.
“Waldo would have helped him through certain periods and guided him on what the role entailed.
“Tav has always had a voice and that’s what I liked about him right away. At times I had to tell him to shut up.
“But I could tell he cared and he was never one to shy away from a situation.
“That shows his character and it shows he’s got balls, which you need to play for the Old Firm.
“Ta v has grown into it now, he understands the importance of being Gers captain and his performances have just got better with the armband.”
Miller knows Rangers will want to keep Tavernier and striker Alfredo Morelos for a crack at the Premiership title.
But he hinted that if Ge r r a r d is tempted to let one go for a big fee to strengthen his squad, the Colombian striker is more expendable.
He said: “Alfredo’s level of goals has been incredible and that was him missing games through suspension. To get 30 goals last season was amazing. “Of course, Rangers will want to keep both but with the kind of figures being bandied about, it would give them money to strengthen in other areas. “I felt when Alfredo wasn’t playing they missed him. But then at the end of the season, they looked to be functioning better when he wasn’t in the team. “You can’t say that if he were to go , Rangers would lack a goal threat because they’ve got J e rma in D e fo e , w ho’s electric in and around the box. “So if they got a real big offer for Alfredo, they’ve got someone – as you saw at
the end of the season – who can carry that role in the team.”
Miller admits he questioned why Tavernier was allowed to leave Wigan Athletic three years ago to sign on at Ibrox for a paltry £200,000, especially as it was his pal Gary Caldwel l who sanctioned the deal as Latics boss.
But now he can’t imagine Gerrard’s Rangers team without him at right-back.
And he’s adamant that if a crazy bid came in andthe defender was allowed to leave Ibrox, they’d struggle badly to replace him.
Miller said: “James is massive for Rangers – just look at his stats and goals since signing for the club.
“He has been a fantastic buy, which is credit to Mark Warburton. When he arrived, even I was asking questions because one of my best mates sold him from Wigan.
“I wondered why my mate would let him go from League One in England to play for Rangers. But Tav stood up to it and has just got better and better.
“We use this phrase ‘modern day full-back’ but big clubs really need that attacking outlet.
“I could see right away at Rangers that we had a player. You could see the qualities he had.
“I understand why teams in England are now looking at him.
“Physically, he’s an animal. His body is in great shape, he’s fast, strong, aggressive and can dribble.
“Clubs will want him because he has all the hallmarks of a top full-back.
“He’s huge for Rangers and they won’t want to lose him. I don’t think they would let him go on the cheap.
“They got him for £200,000 and could end up getting £10m for him so he has been a really good investment.
“Everyone has a price, that goes for the likes of James or Morelos. Any money they bring in could be invested again.
“Tav will have a price but the manager, his team-mates and the fans would be disappointed to lose him. I don’t think you get another Tav for £200,000 now.
“He has grown into the club and cherishes it. It would take something special for him to want to leave.”
I don’t think they would let Tav go on cheap