'I feel fitter than ever' - age 'no problem' for Tavernier

Captain James Tavernier returned to Rangers' starting XI in Perth

James Tavernier is convinced he has plenty to offer Rangers after losing his regular starting place, with the captain insisting he is "more hungry than ever".

The 33-year-old was among the substitutes against Dundee United and Nice but restored to the first XI for Sunday's 1-0 win at St Johnstone.

With right-back alternatives Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo unavailable, Tavernier was involved in the decisive moment in Perth, pressuring Jason Holt into a second-half own goal.

He stressed his age and fitness should not be an issue.

"I don't see the age being a problem," he said. "Three months ago I think I missed one game.

"OK, I’ve gone up one number in my age, but I feel fitter than ever to play every single game.

"So it's obviously different, unusual, but it's down to me to be really professional and keep working really hard, and try to be a leader behind the scenes and really push the boys on and anyone who's asked to put on the shirt has to perform.

"I’m used to playing three games a week, that's what I really love to do. It's what I’ve been used to for so many years."

Tavernier is yet to score in the Scottish Premiership this season, while he has provided three assists in his 12 appearances.

Last term, the defender scored 17, with 10 assists. In the prior league campaign, those figures were 16 and nine.

"The stats and the numbers I put in are still right up there," he continued. "It’s just about me continuing to work hard and when asked to play, then deliver a performance.

"You obviously want to be playing every single game. That's just in your nature. But there's a level of you've got to be professional and really help the team if you're not.

"And when asked to play, you've got to obviously make an impact."

Following the win at McDiarmid Park, manager Philippe Clement said he was "convinced" his skipper, who is contracted to 2026, would be best served by rotation, but understood the player being frustrated.

"What I have done over the years, is I’ve kept on asking questions, kept on striving to be better, to keep putting in the numbers," said Tavernier.

"I’m more hungry than ever. I'll always continue to push myself as much as possible to better myself."

Tavernier will reach a decade of service at Ibrox next summer but has not given much thought to his testimonial year.

Asked about reaching the 10-year-mark, he replied: "Obviously complete this season then that's on the cards and it's very unusual these days for testimonials and players being at clubs for so long. We will just have to wait and see."