Rangers’ James Tavernier hits back at former Celtic striker and pundit Chris Sutton
TV pundit Sutton has taken aim at the Ibrox skipper and his failure to win any major trophy since making his move to Ibrox in 2015.
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Hide AdTavernier has now responded ahead of tomorrow’s Betfred Cup final clash with Celtic, saying: “Comments from pundits are irrelevant.
“I am here to do a job, I’m here to win trophies. Previously we’ve not done that but I fully believe in this squad and what we’re capable of doing. We have to win games, we have to win trophies. All the boys who have signed here have come to win trophies.
“We’re not here to be second best. We have to do everything in our hands and go out there on Sunday looking to bring back some silverware.”
While Tavernier, pictured, has bounced back from a slump in form this season, the rest of the Rangers defence have seen their levels drop in recent weeks, having shipped five goals in their last four games.
That crisis of confidence contributed to Steven Gerrard’s team throwing away two points on Wednesday night as Aberdeen were allowed to fight back to snatch a 2-2 draw.
“Sometimes it’s come down to mistakes, simple things,” added Tavernier. “If you can cut those out, show a bit more concentration – and I include myself after the weeks I was getting criticised – you can bounce straight back and be really solid again.
“I’ve got full confidence in our back four, and as a team, that we can easily rectify those mistakes and get back to clean sheets.
“Sunday will be like when you play European games. The higher level you go up then the more you’ll be punished for mistakes.
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Hide Ad“We know that we can’t afford to give up any mistakes. We know Celtic are going to have some chances so we have to defend really well on the day.”
Tavernier was involved in an ugly incident during Wednesday’s Pittodrie clash when he was hit with a bread roll thrown by a Dons supporter.
The Rangers captain, who was confronted by a pitch invader at Easter Road last season, added: “We shouldn’t have to keep going through these things with fan actions. We have to address it.”