James Tavernier Rangers captaincy desire questioned but why he won't be stripped
Kevin Thomson suspects James Tavernier doesn't even want to be Rangers captain and would rather go under the radar.
Among the many questions being asked of the Ibrox side over the past few years has been the issue of the captaincy. Tavernier has held the role for six years now but with only one league title and two domestic cups in that time, has found his suitability doubted by some.
It all came to a head following the latest derby defeat to Celtic when one fan approached the 32-year-old outside of Ibrox and hit him with a volley of foul-mouthed abuse. He responded with a goal and an assist in the win over Dundee at the weekend and was given a standing ovation after being subbed by Phillipe Clement.
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Asked for his thoughts on the right-back, Thomson admits his displays this season have been sub-par. And he feels it may be easier for him to concentrate on just playing rather than leading the team.
The former Gers midfielder told Premier Sports' Scottish Football Social Club: "I have to say his performances have been under standard for him. I don't think he has covered himself in lots of glory with individual performances.
"But also I think he carries the club on his shoulders, his numbers and his record. The unfortunate thing is Rangers fans don't care what happened last year, or last week, or how many goals you scored over eight years. They might remember you when you leave and you might be more thought of.
"But Rangers fans want to see results now and a captain that is....I think Tav deep down, and I say this with the greatest respect, I'm not so sure he wants to be the captain of Rangers. I think he would rather go under the radar a wee bit.
"I think the responsibility that comes with it he will love, it's a massive profile and prestigious honour to get. But I certainly think it brings a real unwanted attention on his shoulders and I would think he would rather have the personality to go a wee bit more unnoticed.
"I actually don't think it would be a bad thing for him. But listen, we're too far down the road now. He is the captain of the club and he has to remain the captain of the club or it would cause more animosity, more fraction, so they need to ride with it."