James Tavernier outlines key factor for Rangers in any British League move

Rangers captain James Tavernier believes the Ibrox club must ensure they are serious contenders for silverware every season if they decide to explore the opportunity of joining a British Super League.

Rangers captain James Tavernier during his return to action against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

The possibility of the Old Firm leaving the top flight of Scottish football to play in England has raised its head again this week in the aftermath of the rapid collapse of the proposed European Super League.

As the English Premier League conducts a strategic review of the competition’s future, some of its leading clubs are understood to be enthusiastic about inviting Rangers and Celtic to join an 18-team British Super League.

Any such move would be financially transformative for the Glasgow giants but Tavernier insists they could not join any new set-up simply to make up the numbers.

“As long as Rangers Football Club is always going to be competitive in trophies, that’s what we want to do,” said the 29-year-old who will lift the Scottish Premiership trophy for the first time next month.

“It’s one of those things where it’s a lot higher than the players. You saw that with the European Super League, it comes from a lot higher up in the clubs. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I think it’s way above my pay grade!”

Tavernier’s outstanding form for Rangers this season saw him linked with a return to English football but earlier this month he committed his future to the new Scottish champions when he signed a contract extension until 2024.

“I definitely feel at home here,” said the right-back who joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015.

“Rangers gave myself and my family that foundation where I was enjoying my football. Before that, I was on loans and getting called back, not really playing proper football. Rangers is the first club that had the faith in me to give me that platform.

"I will always pay Rangers back for that and I’m loving what I’m doing at the minute, so I just have to continue working hard and see what happens. I am delighted the club and the gaffer put faith in me to extend my deal. I am really, really happy at this time.”

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