For almost half a decade, Rangers have experienced constant change, managers arriving and departing, squads being rebuilt and tactical systems evolving.
Yet one position at Ibrox remained remarkably stable.
At right-back, James Tavernier has been the ever-present figure.
That stability was cemented when Steven Gerrard took charge in 2018 and immediately handed Tavernier the captain’s armband.
The decision proved pivotal. Tavernier became central to the side that would deliver the historic 2020/21 Premiership title, producing the attacking output that made him one of the most influential full backs in Europe during that period.
Gerrard once described him as “unstoppable” and a “huge player” for Rangers.
This was praise that reflected the defender’s impact across multiple seasons.
Competition came and went, and successive managers continued to trust the skipper.
But that long-standing certainty is beginning to shift.
Changing of the guard
Now 34, Tavernier is no longer the relentless physical presence he once was.
Since the end of the 2023/24 season there have been visible signs that the demands of the role are beginning to catch up with him.
Former Rangers boss Philippe Clement appeared to recognise that reality during his time at Ibrox, attempting at times to ease the captain out of the starting line-up.
Injuries to Dujon Sterling, however, prevented that transition from fully taking shape.
The question now is whether Sterling is finally ready to step into the role permanently.
The argument: For and against
At 26, Sterling is entering the peak years of his career and offers a noticeably different profile from Tavernier.
He is more considered more secure defensively, stronger in duels and generally more disciplined in his positioning.
His passing numbers also suggest a safer approach in possession. Sterling has completed 87% of his passes this season compared to Tavernier’s 81%.
Yet the wider defensive metrics present a more complicated picture.
Tavernier still leads in successful interceptions, cutting out 78% of his attempts compared to Sterling’s 61%.
Recovery statistics also favour the captain, who completes 86% of recoveries while Sterling sits at just 33%.
The biggest difference remains in attacking output.
Even with declining physical attributes, Tavernier continues to contribute significantly going forward, recording four assists this season compared to Sterling’s one.
He also has netted 13 times despite his decline, while Sterling is yet to find the net.
For years Rangers have relied on that attacking threat from right-back. Something Sterling has yet to replicate.
Availability is another concern. Sterling’s longest run of starts this season has been three matches in December, with his previous best stretch being four consecutive starts last April.
Replacing one of the most durable and consistent players in Rangers modern history requires consistency that Sterling has not yet been able to demonstrate.
Read Rangers analysis
The statistics underline just how complicated the right-back question at Rangers has become.
While Dujon Sterling appears the more secure option in possession, completing 87% of his passes compared to 81% for James Tavernier, the defensive metrics do not clearly favour the challenger.
Tavernier still records the higher success rate for interceptions, comfortably ahead of Sterling.
The gap is even more significant when it comes to recoveries, where the captain completes 86% compared to just 33% for Sterling.
The numbers highlight the central dilemma facing Rangers. Sterling may offer greater passing security and a more conservative defensive style, but Tavernier’s experience, defensive interventions and attacking contribution still set the benchmark.
If Sterling is to become the long-term successor, he will need both sustained fitness and a run of matches long enough to prove he can be trusted regularly.
Otherwise, Rangers may be forced to look beyond the current squad when the summer arrives.
