James Tavernier's performance in the League Cup semi-final against Celtic, despite the Rangers loss, highlights a resurgence in form after facing criticism and a dip in playing time.
Bruised and abused after the last derby defeat. Personal pride restored even if the eventual outcome was ultimately the same this time round. It won’t mean much to James Tavernier after seeing Rangers lose their grip on the League Cup to Celtic following an extraordinary 120 minutes and penalty kicks. But as the skipper walked out of Hampden on Sunday evening after a blistering showdown with his nemesis Daizen Maeda, his reputation had just been given a much-needed shot in the arm.
Having been run ragged by the Japanese flying machine back in September as Celtic hit cruise control in a 3-0 derby demolition Tavernier was singled out for the type of abuse that would have rattled even the strongest characters. Footage of one irate fan telling the 33-year-old exactly where to go hours after the full-time whistle was widely condemned. But a dip in form in the weeks that followed saw Tavernier removed from the firing line by Philippe Clement and rotated at right back with Dujon Sterling and the now injured Neraysho Kasanwirjo. It all meant the spotlight was firmly on the man who is closing in on 500 appearances for the Light Blues after his selection for the starting XI was confirmed at Hampden on Sunday. This time Tavernier never gave Maeda an inch in their head-to-head tussle as he battered into challenges, closed down space and crucially ensured he always had a team mate nearby to double up when required. When the Hoops winger did find the net it was through the middle after a muddle-up between Nico Raskin and Leon Balogun. None of this redemption story stuff overly matters to the Gers stalwart after another missed opportunity to put one over the club that has dominated Scottish football since he arrived north of the border almost a decade ago. Indeed he accepts that pulling on the armband puts him firmly in the line of fire. But Tavernier is confident a corner is being turne
RANGERS CELTIC DERBY JAMES TAVERNIER SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
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