- James Tavernier has made a bold claim on his condition in defence of his Rangers credentials
- The captain was speaking in a promotional interview with the SPFL title race set to resume this weekend
- Tav spoke about Rangers’ title prospects, the influence of Danny Rohl, and his future
James Tavernier has insisted that “my body’s not slowing up one bit” when quizzed on his time out of the Rangers team in recent months.
The club captain was speaking as part of promotional interviews for the SPFL on Monday, addressing various topical matters.
He was asked about Rangers’ prospects of title glory, the resurgence under Danny Rohl, and his future.
That personal situation is highlighted with Tavernier out of contract this summer, and no longer a first-choice at right back.
My body’s not slowing up one single bit – James Tavernier
No professional will be content not to play, and the 34-year-old expressed his frustration in the right way, in conversation with Sky Sports Scotland’s Gordon Duncan.
He put across his view that he’s ready to play and contribute and when not selected, he plays his part in the dressing room and on the sidelines, but one particular choice of phrase will raise some eyebrows.
When asked how it feels and if he is content, James Tavernier responded:
“It’s obviously frustrating because I want to start every single game, you know my body’s not slowing up one single bit.
“If I’m asked to be on the sideline, I’m going to support the boys no matter what, have my input with the team and just be myself.
“All I can do in moments, or when I start, is to give it my all, and best for the team,” he added.
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That is a bold claim, but not one that stands up to scrutiny or the eye test.
Time waits for no man, as the cliche goes.
James Tavernier in 2026 is not the version of himself in bygone days, when his marauding attacks pulled Rangers to the Europa League Final in 2022, or even last season.
He is older, so obviously he has lost some pace, and that is a vulnerability that is being exploited by opponents. His legs aren’t the same.
Just look at the first half in the last game against Falkirk, or the messy penalty that was conceded in the second-half.
Tavernier’s current status in the squad is impacted by what he can’t do so well now – with Dujon Sterling considered a stronger option by Danny Rohl.
The captain still has an important role to play in the coming weeks, on and off the pitch.
He will be called upon to play. He needs to show leadership and can still put his best qualities forward at both ends of the pitch.
The rest will take care of itself.
