James Tavernier reflects on 'rollercoaster' ride since joining Rangers

In his six seasons with Rangers, James Tavernier has experienced plenty of difficult days which could have dented his conviction he would become a trophy-winning captain.

Rangers captain James Tavernier will lift the Premiership trophy on May 15 and hopes to complete a league and Scottish Cup double this season. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

But as he looks forward to lifting the Premiership trophy at Ibrox next month, the swashbuckling right-back insists he never doubted the good times would arrive.

Having played a pivotal role in Rangers’ first title win for a decade, Tavernier has now returned from his recent knee injury in time to lead their quest to land the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2009.

“I always had faith,” said the 29-year-old who recently signed a new contract which is due to run until the summer of 2024.

James Tavernier in agony after suffering the knee injury in Antwerp on February 18 which saw him miss 10 games for Rangers before his return this week. (Photo by DIRK WAEM/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images)

“A club of this magnitude, you see the trophy cabinet and realise they’re known for success. It’s been a very tricky time since I’ve been here, a bit of a rollercoaster.

“But, every step the way, there have always been improvements and ever since the gaffer (Steven Gerrard) has come in the door, the improvements have stepped up massively.

“Everything has improved – and it’s put us on another platform. So that’s why I’m delighted to extend my deal, because I can see the potential of where this club can be.

“I am just extremely proud of how well we have done this season. It means the world to me. I have always known it was there. It was a case of just getting that consistency this season, compared to last season, and we have applied ourselves really well. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“There was maybe a little dip when we lost to St Mirren in the League Cup but other than that I am extremely proud of the boys and what they have done, even when I’ve been out of the team with my injury. They have taken it over the line and just continued to push on.”

Tavernier made his comeback after ten games on the sidelines when he played for an hour in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at St Johnstone in the Premiership. As he prepares for Sunday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final between the sides at Ibrox, he says he was always confident he would return for the campaign finale.

“There was never an indication that I was going to miss the full season,” he added. “It was just something I had to be patient with. Obviously you can’t rush knee injuries.

“The doc and the physios have been working tirelessly with me to try to get me back in the best shape possible. It’s now about me getting back on the pitch and enjoying what I do.”

As he closes in on getting his hands on silverware, Tavernier has paid tribute to the influence of legendary Rangers captain John Greig with whom he has formed a bond since joining the club in 2015.

“John was a good mentor when I was going through things in the early days,” he said. “I would see him after every single game, have a chat with him. He’d normally give us some stick – he was always quick to do that!

“But he’s such a great man, he was obviously voted the Greatest Ever Ranger, so he’s someone you’re always going to listen to and take advice from.”

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