James Tavernier has provided a very positive signal as he moves towards signing a new deal at Ibrox.
The Rangers captain was fielding some questions at the press conference on Friday ahead of the Premiership opener at Livingston, where he was fairly open regarding his contract situation when directly asked about the proposed new contract:
“I have a great relationship with the club, with Ross (Wilson) and the boss. My full focus is on tomorrow. I love being here.”
“You’ll be the first to know when it’s signed, but I’m really happy here and my full focus is on tomorrow’s game.”
It doesn’t really get much more matter of fact than that.
Tavernier will commence his seventh consecutive season as a Rangers player and what a journey it has been to date – major highs and lows included. If as it appears, the new deal is signed and sealed, it would mean the Yorkshireman will surpass a decade at Ibrox.
That milestone would be marked accordingly but all of that will need to wait for now, as the skipper would agree.
Tavernier is well versed in the Rangers way by now, meaning the focus is rightly on the next game and next target. Given the importance of making amends in the league this season after the disappointment of a squandered lead last season, Tav will be very fired up to push his team back toward the title once more.
On another front and beginning Tuesday, comes the mammoth incentive of Champions League qualification. The attraction of Europe’s top tournament speaks for itself and is one of few greater stages that the captain is yet to experience in his time at Ibrox.
If Rangers get it right in those two competitions and objectives this season, anything else will be a mere bonus.