Rangers captain James Tavernier will come in from the start this evening as Rangers face St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
With Nathan Patterson now suspended for the next four games, there will be an added ‘pressure’ on the skipper.
Not in terms of his capability, far from it.
More a case of being switched on and applying himself to the full, whilst catching up on match fitness.
Manager Steven Gerrard played down concerns on his captain’s fitness, allaying fears that he has been pushed back too soon.
The boss stated, as told by the Daily Record:
“We could have pushed him for the Old Firm game but there was no need because the league was done and dusted so we could come off him and be really patient to give him the time needed.”
“He’s more than ready, he’s been back in training five or six days – so he’ll get stronger and stronger.”
“If he wasn’t available he’d still go up and lift the trophy (final day v Aberdeen) as James has played a massive part in the reason we are champions.”
“It’s a big boost. You can tell by his smile and the way he is around the training ground.”
Impact
Gerrard then paid tribute to his leader in the dressing room and looked forward to their Double intentions:
“He’ll obviously play again (v St Johnstone) with Nathan not available now.”
“We’re all delighted to have him back. It was a tough injury for him, but I don’t think he can complain as it’s the first one he’s had.”
“He’s big for us. His contribution this season has been mega.
“He’s got a massive part to play from now until the end of the season.”
There was an understandable rust about Tavernier’s outing in Perth last midweek.
Starting tonight, the marauding full-back can begin to rise through the gears with a Scottish Cup final outing as the end destination.
