Billy Dodds spots Rangers moment that was 'sad to see' as James Tavernier 'happy' to be subbed

Billy Dodds reckons James Tavernier was relieved to be subbed against Motherwell as the Rangers captain struggles for form.

The Ibrox defender, 32, was replaced by Dujon Sterling on 67 minutes as Gers chased a match-winner at Hampden. Nedim Bajrami eventually delivered in the closing stages as Philippe Clement's side fought back to book their place in the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.

Tavernier - now in his testimonial year - has been undroppable throughout his Rangers career but it's not the first time the goalscoring right-back has been hooked by Clement this season. Former striker Dodds felt sorry for the long-serving star today and reckons Tavernier is suffering a major confidence crisis as he struggles to cope with the growing pressure on his shoulders.

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He told BBC Sportsound: "I think his confidence is shot to pieces. I think he feels the pressure of being captain, he realises he's not performing well. We all know defensively isn't his strong point, but even going forward, he's not had as many goals or assists. The times that he did get forward today, the crosses were into the goalkeeper's hands and the crowd were on him.

"You can see he's just not in a good place just now and he looked as if he was quite happy to get off the pitch today. It's the worst I've seen him mentally. It was sad to see that today when he came off. He knew it was time and there was no remonstration or showing unhappiness at being subbed."

Fellow pundit Steven Thompson agreed, adding: "Tavernier's had stick throughout his time at Rangers and he's dealt with it well. But when he's now getting that bit older and has lost a yard of pace, the things that he relies upon in his game - the assists, goals, driving runs - they aren't happening as often.

"I think this season it's more obvious than ever before. No player is undroppable and just because he's the captain doesn't mean he can't be dropped and I think that's maybe the manager giving you a wee clue into what the future might hold. He's far from finished, he's still able to go out and put in good performances but not at the level that he has done over the last however many years at Rangers.

"When you're a player and your confidence is gone, it affects you more than anything. Your legs, decision-making, you feel tired and overthink things. I think he's got a wee bit of that just now which certainly isn't helping him."