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James Tavernier deserved Rangers reception as Philippe Clement lauds response to abuse

James Tavernier got the Rangers fans' appreciation
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


James Tavernier deserved the reception he got when subbed for Rangers yesterday, insists Philippe Clement.

The Gers captain has met the ire of some sections of the support in recent times with some making him, as skipper, culpable for underachievement. That came to a head following derby defeat to Celtic with one punter confronting him outside Ibrox and aiming a volley of abuse at him.

But the right-back has delivered so often in his Light Blues career and did so again yesterday with an assist and a penalty goal in the cup win over Dundee. Clement subbed him off after 81 minutes and watched as his captain was given the appreciation of the support on his way off the pitch.

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The manager said: "He played a good game. And he deserves that. And maybe after the Celtic game we have a few individuals who are crossing a certain line. What's not good. And I understand the frustration.

"But there are a lot of people who understand the value that Tav had and has for this squad. And that's also good for him to feel that. But that's the life of being a captain in a big club. You're the symbol in the good days and then it's nice. Like today. And in the difficult days you're also the one everybody looks at. But that's life of being a captain or a manager in that kind of club. You need to embrace that also. And he did.

"Last couple of weeks he worked hard. He wanted to dig in, to come back strong. And he helped all the young lads in their integration also because he has an important job in that also."