Philippe Clement has backed captain James Tavernier to have a ‘really strong’ season for Rangers after seeing him fail to ‘break’ under the pressure of wearing the Ibrox armband.
Tavernier has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Rangers this summer amid talk of interest from Saudi Arabia and a potential link-up with Steven Gerrard. Speaking to club media ahead of the Premiership opener against Hearts, Tavernier dismissed the noise over his future and insisted he was fully focused on his latest bid for silverware in the coming months.
Clement has confirmed that the Englishman will start at right-back on Saturday despite missing the first weeks of pre-season through injury. Dujon Sterling is not fit for the Hearts clash but could return to face Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Many supporters expected Tavernier to follow vice-captain Connor Goldson out of Ibrox this summer as Clement overhauls his squad. But the 32-year-old is set to play a key role for Clement’s side as he gears up for another term as skipper.
“Of course, because he has been very important last season,” Clement said when asked if he was glad to have Tavernier as part of his squad. “As a captain of Rangers, it is part of the job and I have been there and done that in other clubs. Comparable also with Club Brugge, with a passionate fanbase and high expectations that you need to win everything. You know in the moments you don’t win everything everyone looks at the captain. That is part of the job.
“He fits that role well because he can manage that. I have seen in the past a lot of people break in that situation also. I think he had one disadvantage last season that he played all the games and that is also my responsibility. Because of that I think in moments he was not as fresh as he should be and that is something we want to change for this season.
“The people who have to play that position also they need to be fit. I think Tav can make a really strong season and he is really hungry for that. Pity that he has been out for two weeks in the preparation and missed a bit but I am very confident he will have a strong season. He has been very important with his goals and assists.”
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