James Tavernier soaks in 'crazy' achievement, blames wife for penalty miss and reveals teeth op led to poor diet

The Ibrox skipper has taken over Alexander’s mantle with his latest goal

James Tavernier admitted becoming the defender with the most goals in the history of British football was “crazy” after he netted his 131st goal of his career against Hibs on Saturday.

The 32-year-old right-back opened the scoring against the Hibees at Ibrox to set Rangers on their way to 3-1 victory. The goal nudged him ahead of former Scotland internationalist and fellow full-back Graham Alexander, with his manager Philippe Clement quick to acclaim his skipper’s achievement.

Tavernier spoke to the media after setting the new record and said: “It is crazy. If you would have told me when I first jumped into professional football that I would have a chance to become the highest scoring British defender in history I would not have believed you. That is down to all the teammates I have played with over the years who have helped me through the journey. I will just continue working hard and see how many I can get until I hang my boots up a long way down the line.”

Rangers defender James Tavernier celebrates the 131st goal of his career.

Tavernier could have been sitting on 132 at the close of play, but he missed a first-half penalty when his effort straight down the middle was saved by Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall. It was the second time this month that the former Wigan man have been thwarted by the Scotland veteran. Tavernier blamed the miss on an unlikely source. “I listened to my wife on where to put the ball,” Tavernier said. “She said just go down the middle and you are guaranteed a goal – and it did not go in. She is getting the blame for that one. I had to respond and I did [with the goal].”

Tavernier sparked fears about his fitness near the end of the match – especially with next weekend’s match against Celtic on the horizon. The skipper revealed it was just a spot of cramp on the back of getting teeth removed earlier in the week. “I had three teeth taken out at the start of the week so I have only been on soup and mashed potatoes,” he said. “I have not had the best diet but it was only a bit of cramp.”

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