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James Tavernier Rangers role change explored by Philippe Clement as Oscar Cortes out 'long-term'

Rangers right-back James Tavernier played further forward against St Johnstone
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Philippe Clement admits he could rotate James Tavernier's position moving forward.

The Rangers defender was swapped into the right wing role in the second-half of last night's 2-0 win over St Johnstone as Neraysho Kasanwirjo tucked in behind him. Clement admits Tavernier's incredible goal contribution over the years has given him something to think about as he seeks adaptability all over the pitch.

But the Ibrox boss played down the prospect of his captain playing in the unfamiliar position on a regular basis. He said: "I don't know, it's also the circumstances of the game, but of course everybody knows that Tav has really big qualities in the final third, with assists and with goals, so it's something we can do in moments, we will see.

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"But it's also that moment. I still only had two more changes to make, and so I made that decision. It's not something that you will see every week, I think, but we will see. Sometimes you get surprises out of those kind of choices, we will see."

Clement is currently short of wide options with Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes both currently sidelined. And while the pair face an extended period out, Clement offered a more positive update on Danilo and Ridvan Yilmaz.

He said: "I expect in training to have Danilo and Ridvan maybe, and the two others not yet, it's too early for them. Yeah, that's going to be longer term. "