‘I don’t see how’ – Kris Boyd says ‘outstanding’ Rangers player must start v Celtic

Kris Boyd suggests that Rangers skipper James Tavernier should start against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final on Sunday at Hampden Park.

The Gers defender was superb against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League clash at Ibrox on Thursday, and Boyd says the “outstanding” full-back should be in the starting line-up against the Bhoys based on merit alone. 

Tavernier has come under strong criticism from pundits this season, and many felt that his Rangers career is as good as over.

Tam McManus recently said that he is only playing on the side because Philippe Clement has limited options due to injuries.

Boyd says that he has changed his opinion on Tavernier following his brilliant performance against Spurs.

It was his brilliant pass to Hamza Igamane that gave Rangers the lead against the north London club, and he did well against top-class attackers like Timo Werner, Dominik Solanke, Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-Min.

Boyd wrote for The Scottish Sun: “Before Rangers’ draw with Tottenham, I thought James Tavernier had no chance of facing Celtic on Sunday.

“Now I don’t see how the Ibrox captain can be dropped for the Premier Sports Cup final.

“The Gers skipper was just outstanding as Clement’s side delivered their best display of the season against the Premier League outfit.

“He set up Hamza Igamane’s goal, and was solid against Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min. When Dominic Solanke had a chance to win it for Spurs late on, Tavernier was the man who made a vital block.”

Big selection dilemma for Philippe Clement

There’s no doubt that Tavernier is a top-class player and a great servant for Rangers.

Clement has dropped him in big games and preferred Dujon Sterling ahead of him. Will he do the same again on Sunday?

While Sterling is a solid defender, he contributes little forward. Tavernier was superb against Spurs and has returned to his best form in recent weeks.

At the same time, Tavernier struggled against Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi, and Celtic will target him again on Sunday.

Boyd is absolutely right that while Rangers need to stop Celtic attackers, they must also pose a threat, and that’s why they need Tavernier.

While the Maeda factor will be on everyone’s minds, one must not forget that Tavernier is still the team captain and an influential player.

It’s a massive call for Clement. Tottenham players had no answer to Rangers’ direct pressing, which is why Tavernier enjoyed success against Werner and others, but Celtic attackers will be direct with their approach.

Read more: What Rangers have done to get the best out of 22-year-old attacker.