James Tavernier has confessed that he is looking for a Rangers testimonial after the season ends.
And that could be how he leaves Ibrox.
Tavernier was expected to leave the Gers during the summer transfer window, with clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar expressing interest in signing him.
That did not happen, and he has continued to wear the armband while rotating in and out of the Rangers starting lineup.
If the 33-year-old stays after the January window, he will have completed ten seasons with the club, earning Tavernier a testimonial match.
James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers ‘not in’ Rangers plans
Beyond that, Tam McManus believes Tavernier does not have a future with the Rangers.
He also includes Cyriel Dessers in that category.
Philippe Clement was quite positive of his captain’s performance against St Johnstone, but pundits believe this was mainly because the manager is seeking to keep him on board with Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo still injured.
While Dessers has been replaced by Hamza Igamane in the last two games, he did not even make it off the bench in Perth, with Danilo coming on instead.
McManus believes the signs indicate that neither is in Clement’s long-term plans.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer’s Football Show, he stated: “He’s saying that now because his other two right-backs are injured, to be honest.
“Kasanwirjo and Sterling are both injured, thus he only has one right-back available. He didn’t say it two weeks ago, when he was miles away from the situation.
“James Tavernier may play till he’s 40 against St Johnstone, St Mirren, and clubs who sit back. He doesn’t have to defend.
“When he comes up against great European opposition, particularly Celtic, he is exposed.
“I assume he’s in his final season with the Rangers. Listen, the cards are falling well for him right now because the other two are injured. But he was bombed out.
“It would be the same if Danilo or Igamane were hurt and Dessers came back in. However, I believe Clement’s long-term intentions do not include James Tavernier and Dessers.
Tavernier will be remembered fondly
Tavernier’s final years at Rangers have been clouded by underperformance, with the skipper sometimes bearing the brunt of it.
However, McManus believes his legacy will be appreciated once he departs the club after serving with distinction and being a part of title number 55.
He insisted: “I don’t believe he’s a failure. I believe he has been a fantastic servant to the Rangers.
“He’s not a legend by any means; he doesn’t fit that category. But I believe he has been an excellent servant for the Rangers.
“He’s scored his fair share of important goals, and he was part of the club that broke a 10-game streak. The entire group will be remembered warmly in years to come.
“I believe he is a really talented player. I believe his legs are no longer at the maximum level.
“But in situations like this weekend, with St Johnstone sitting back, he can explode forward and cross. He doesn’t have to do things defensively.”
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