Exclusive: Former Rangers defender praises James Tavernier for impressive turnaround | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Graham Roberts has praised Rangers captain James Tavernier for proving his critics wrong to help the Ibrox side win the title.

The right-back came under scrutiny last March following some inconsistent performances, but has been outstanding this season, and is on course to win the club’s Golden Boot to add to his league winning medal.

Tavernier has scored 17 times in all competitions, whilst adding 15 assists, and has even found the net more than striker Alfredo Morelos despite not scoring since the victory at Dundee United back in December – 14 matches ago.

More than half of Tavernier’s goals this season have been from the penalty spot, but Roberts, who won both the Scottish Premiership title and Scottish League Cup during his two seasons at Ibrox, has praised the Gers skipper for bouncing back from his previous struggles.

“He’s been brilliant, led from the front,” Roberts told Football FanCast.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic. I think he was getting a bit of stick last year, giving away silly goals, and I think he worked really hard in pre-season.

“And being with Steven Gerrard he has done an absolutely amazing job, it’s no more than what they deserve this year.”

Rangers host Celtic in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend.