Leading by example – Tavernier praise for league debutant King

Rangers recorded a deserved 3-0 win over Livingston tonight as the Champions moved one step closer to securing an ‘invincible’ Premiership season.

Captain James Tavernier had a fine game, supplying plenty of ammunition from the right-flank as well as opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half, after Ianis Hagi was bundled into by the Livingston goalkeeper, Max Stryjek.

Into the second half and the Gers never looked back – two further quality team goals followed as Steven Gerrard’s men made it 99 points for the season – that 100 barrier is destined to be smashed on Trophy Day, this Saturday against Aberdeen.

Tavernier actually finished the game playing in the centre of defence, following late changes made by the visitor’s bench.

17-year old Leon King stepped up to make his first league appearance, following on from his first team debut earlier this season at Falkirk.

Despite playing just over five minutes, it will have been a memorable evening for the youngster.

This was made even better, as the skipper made a point of sending praise to King with a social media post:

Thanks skip, appreciate it 🔥 https://t.co/jXzLBs2eoB

— Leon King (@Leon_king04) May 12, 2021

The gesture was kindly received by the Auchenhowie graduate who responded in kind.

It’s the small things that often make a big impact.

With this modest act of recognition and validation, the Rangers captain will have given a huge boost to Leon King, acting as an inspiration for his future development.

Excitement

Now all attention turns to the final game, trophy day, the big celebration.

In the build up to tonight’s game, Tavernier spoke about the anticipation of what is about to follow: