James Tavernier: Rangers can beat anyone in the Premiership
The 24-year-old right back, who netted the goal that ensured the Championship was won against Dumbarton on Tuesday night, has no fears about what awaits the club when they step up next season.
“You saw us against Dundee,” said Tavernier, in reference to the 4-0 thumping of the Dens Park side at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final last month. “That shows what we’re capable of when we play good football. With the team and squad that we’ve got – and I’m sure the manager will strengthen it next season – but the squad we have now is capable of beating anyone in the division above.”
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Hide AdBefore that, Tavernier says there are “two cups” and a “strong” finish in the league to chase. Back-to-back trips to Hampden await with this Sunday’s Petrofac Training Cup final against Peterhead and then the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic a week later.
Although Tavernier is enthused about playing on such big occasions, it wasn’t one of his main drivers for joining Rangers last summer.
“First and foremost it was about getting regular football, which I have done,” said the defender, who has experienced three straight promotion seasons, following success with Rotherham then Bristol City, both times on loan from Wigan. “I haven’t missed a game all season.”