'Can't afford to get rid': Kris Boyd 'would be astonished' if Rangers sell key player
09/13/2024 10:30 AM
The problem with being the most high-profile player at a certain club is that – as Rangers have proved over the last week – there’s always a risk you will become a lightning rod for criticism.
See Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, frequently singled out even when he is performing head and shoulders above some of his team-mates.
Remarkably, Cristiano Ronaldo was not immune to the odd boo when firing in an avalanche of goals at Real Madrid.
And with the sting of that 3-0 Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic still throbbing away amongst the Rangers faithful, a man who struggled to cope with the irrepressible Daizen Maeda at Parkhead has once again become an unfortunate posterboy for the struggles of Philippe Clement’s team.
James Tavernier is never usually too far away from attracting blame whenever Rangers endure an afternoon as chastening as this.
And while that was certainly not his finest performance in the blue shirt – some suggesting that he should be dropped or at least rested as a result – Kris Boyd cannot help but feel that those hoping to see Rangers cash in on their long-serving skipper are more than a little misguided.
James Tavernier chooses Rangers over Turkey transfer
“Whatever happens, James Tavernier seems to be the fall guy,” Boyd, scorer of 138 goals during two prolific spells at Ibrox, tells The Warm Up podcast on YouTube.
The five-time Scottish Premiership Golden Boot winner also believes that Rangers are not yet in a position where they can consider cashing in.
Tavernier, HITC understands, was on the radar of various Turkish Super Lig clubs. Including a Besiktas side now coached by former Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
But while Rangers surely must start thinking about an eventual succession plan – Tavernier turns 33 in October after all – Boyd feels that Clement and co would be very hard pushed finding another right-back who can provide the same remarkable output from the flank.
“The whole thing, in terms of him moving on, I would be astonished if he does move,” Boyd says of a man who scored a career-best 24 goals last season. “I think there were reports today that Trabzonspor and Besiktas have already got their 12 non-EU players in place.
“I don’t think Rangers can afford to get rid of him. It’s easy to say after an Old Firm game, you know, ‘James Tavernier’s time is up’. But who else does what James Tavernier does for Rangers?”
HITC adds that Tavernier has decided to stay at Rangers for the time being. Barring a shock development, he will still be in Glasgow by the time the Turkish Super Lig transfer window closes on Friday night.
Dujon Sterling the most likely replacement for now
Clement has indicated that he is likely to rest Tavernier a little more often going forward. The one-time Newcastle United man has played a minimum of 55 games across each of the last three seasons.
But Boyd’s comments are reflected by former Scotland international James McFadden, arguing that no one else in Clement’s squad can match Tavernier’s unique and arguably irreplaceable skillset from the full-back position.
"There is going to be opportunities for (Rangers) to be in positions where they are going to get crosses into the box," McFadden tells the Open Goal podcast, expressing concerns over Dujon Sterling’s ability to step into Tavernier’s shoes.
"I know people are saying Sterling (should play) at right-back but I don't ever see him putting a cross in, even when he plays wide.
"He makes a run and he does great, but then he cuts it back. You don't ever see him putting deliveries into the box, which you are probably going to need."
"There is probably going to be a time where Tavernier will have to come out of the team. But I'm not sure (about Sterling). If you are having to rely on Sterling or one of the young players. I would much rather see a young player come in."
Rangers travel to Dundee United on Sunday.
