What Tony Watt has said on James Tavernier's Ibrox future as Rangers decision looms

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The Motherwell star believes that despite the criticism James Tavernier has been receiving, he still has a big part to play if he is managed in the right manner.

Philippe Clement raised some people’s eyebrows when he started James Tavernier in Rangers’ 1-0 victory over Hearts, considering he dropped him for Dujon Sterlingin the 1-1 draw to Olympiacos in the Europa League.

Tavernier set up Cyriel Dessers for the winner against the Jambos in what was a rather dull affair at Ibrox and it was their first clean sheet in the league in four games.

The under-fire Rangers skipper has two years on his contract and many of the support are calling for this to be his final season at the club, due to his underwhelming start to the season.

However, ex-Celtic star Tony Watt believes the 33-year-old still has a future at the Light Blues.

Tony Watt gives verdict on James Tavernier’s Rangers future

The right-back put in a fine display against the Edinburgh side but was substituted at the 68th minute for Neraysho Kasanwirjo.

As he is getting older and with the large volume of games, it’s unlikely he will be starting every week.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Watt thinks Tavernier is still an important player for the Gers and will be a big part of Clement’s plans if managed in the correct way.

"I think he will be delighted – he got a clean sheet as a defender, he had an assist and played the majority of the game.

"I think Clement's words in the week about him not playing 60 games a season, he'll still want to play 60 games a season but if the manager handles him correctly, maybe speaks to him and tells him what games he's going to play and what he's not, I still think there is a big future at Rangers for James Tavernier.

"I still think he has the quality to be a top Rangers player like he is showing."

Tavernier’s disappointing Rangers stats are surprising

The former Wigan Athletic player is well known for his goalscoring record and is Britain’s highest-scoring defender with 134 goals.

Tavernier was the Ibrox club’s top goal scorer last season scoring 24 goals, with one of them being the winner against Aberdeen in the League Cup final.

This season he’s only managed to score one goal with four assists and for his standards that is disappointing as his attacking threat as been so important to the team over the years.

As Clement said he won’t be playing every game, it will be difficult for him to hit the numbers of previous seasons.