Under-fire Gers star on what was 'great to see' v Saints as he responds to criticism
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Rangers captain James Tavernier is a man under fire this season and faced the Premier Sports music after the win over St Johnstone.
The Ibrox skipper, 32, played the entire match as 10-man Rangers ran out 2-0 winners over the Saints on Scottish Premiership duties.
The result gets Rangers back to winning ways after that Europa League humbling at the hands of Lyon, a match which put James Tavernier firmly in the crosshairs of fans.
With some tipping Tav to sit out the win over the Saints, the captain once again turned up for the side and spoke to the media following the game.
James Tavernier hails Rangers fans
James Tavernier was in positive mood following Rangers' 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox.
The Gers skipper was joined by Czech winger and Player of the Match Vaclav Cerny, the Wolfsburg loanee netting both goals on an eventful night at Ibrox.
Whilst Tavernier would eventually hand Cerny his POTM award following the victory, the Rangers captain also touched on the red card shown to the returning Ianis Hagi.
The Romanian playmaker is back in the Gers squad and back on the pitch for the club as he came off the bench at half-time against St Johnstone.
Setting up Vaclav Cerny's second goal, Hagi then saw red for a high challenge on St Johnstone star Benjamin Kimpioka, eventually leaving the pitch in tears.
Whilst Tavernier has expressed his sympathy over the situation with teammate Hagi, the Rangers captain has also spoke glowingly about the reception the attacking midfielder received at Ibrox.
"We just probably missed a bit in the final third today," Tavernier told Premier Sports. "But I felt that we defended really well.
"Just obviously disappointing to see Ianis (Hagi) get sent off after coming back but you seen the reception that he got today from the fans.
"So that's great to see.
"But we are just happy to get the three points, clean sheet.
"It's just about that consistency now, about getting the points, getting the wins, by any means necessary."
Rangers captain wants to 'lead by example'
The Rangers captain has also been speaking about the criticism which has been aimed in his direction this season.
James Tavernier is now in his 10th season at Ibrox and is well-used to the pressure of playing for Rangers Football Club.
But this season in particular the Ibrox skipper has been subject to much more intense scrutiny which even bubbled over in the wake of Old Firm defeat at Celtic Park.
Claiming that he has broad enough shoulders to deal with the criticism, Tavernier insists he will just continue to try and lead by example.
"I know the position that I am in," said Tavernier. "I'm on the front lines, so I am going to get the criticism.
"But you know, I can take it. I've been here a long time.
"It's just about me putting in performances and me trying to lead by example."
James Tavernier has one goal and three assists for Rangers in 12 games this season.
