Barry Ferguson identifies 3 potential Rangers captains to succeed James Tavernier

James Tavernier's days at Rangers appear to be numbered. And Barry Ferguson reckons there are THREE main contenders to take over the armband.

Tavernier, 33, has served as club captain since 2018 but his reduced playing time under Philippe Clement has fuelled speculation that this season could be his last at Ibrox. The creative right-back's form has undoubtedly dipped this term with his goals and assists well below previous years. Tavernier also faces competition for a start, with Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo breathing down his neck.

Clement himself has admitted the defender is no longer a guaranteed starter and Tavernier may well decide to end his career elsewhere after almost a decade in Govan. His departure would see a new leader appointed and while the obvious choice would be vice-skipper Jack Butland, Fergie has touted two other players for the role.

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He told the Daily Record: "Clement isn't disrespecting the armband by handing it around to any on e who fancies having a go. On the contrary, he has selected Jack Butland as the man to step up if or when Tavernier isn't in the starting XI.

"Butland has the personality and the intensity required to fill that mantle. I look at John Souttar as another who could fill the role if required. Maybe young Connor Barron could be a future Rangers captain if he continues to grow into the jersey. But Clement is not flinging it around willy-nilly. Yes, he maybe dipping Tavernier in and out of his team but he can only pick 11 players.

"If Tavernier isn't one of them then someone else has to lead the team. You can't expect to be bombproof just because you happen to be skipper. Big Amo found that out too during my time. He was stripped of the captaincy by Dick Advocaat and I knew at the time how much that hurt him.

"But, even so, when I was given the call to the manager's office and offered the armband, it must have taken me fewer than 10 seconds to accept. Yes, I felt sorry for the big man but I had to think about what mattered most of all. And what mattered was what was best for Rangers. I was surrounded by leaders in that team and they made it easy for me to take on the role at such a young age.

"Of course, I got the armband back when Walter Smith returned to the club and reinstated me into the team. Eventually, the same man would take it off me - and I knew at that point I would never get to wear it again.

"But that was because I had let the club down off the field. It was all my own fault. I had acted unprofessionally while representing Rangers on Scotland duty and I had to suffer the consequences.

"It was a lightbulb moment. It made me realise how badly I had disrespected that armband and I realised I'd have to leave and try to reinvent myself as a player at Birmingham which, I hope, I managed to do. But nothing compares to the pride I felt at being the captain of Rangers. I know just how precious it is."