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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Jonathan McFarlane

James Tavernier's Rangers press conference in full as captain declares 'we've not come here to be second best'

James Tavernier has never been the traditional Rangers captain.

In an environment where leadership has traditionally been defined by bombast, the attacking full-back has quietly gone about his business trying to drag his side to silverware.

Appointed captain on the arrival of current boss Steven Gerrard in 2018, the Englishman has yet to secure the major trophy that would finally put an end to the club's eight year drought.

But Tavernier has no doubt about the importance of taking that final step to success, both personally and as a club.

Celtic lie in Betfred Cup final wait, the last hurdle between Rangers and a return to major honours.

He said: "I am here to do a job, I'm here to win trophies. Previously we've not done that but I fully believe in this squad and what we're capable of doing.

(SNS Group)

"We have to win games, we have to win trophies. All the boys who have signed here have come to win trophies. We're not here to be second best.

"We have to do everything in our hands and go out there on Sunday looking to bring back some silverware."

Rangers' defensive unit has come under scrutiny in recent games and the captain doesn't exclude himself from examination

Tavernier was one of the league's best players last term but this season he has found a sustained run of form harder to come by.

He said: "Sometimes it's come down to mistakes, simple things. If you can cut those out, show a bit more concentration - and I include myself after the weeks I was getting criticised - you can bounce straight back and be really solid again.

"I've got full confidence in our back four, and as a team, that we can easily rectify those mistakes and get back to clean sheets.

"Sunday will be like when you play European games. The higher level you go up then the more you'll be punished for mistakes.

"We know that we can't afford to give up any mistakes. We know Celtic are going to have some chances so we have to defend really well on the day."

Video: Rangers training ahead of Betfred Cup final
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