Rangers

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

What a few weeks we have in store as the most incredible season in living memory reaches a climax. Rangers have put themselves in a fantastic position to end it in glorious fashion.

Hearts and Celtic will be feeling the same thing, of course, and anyone who claims with any great certainty that they know how it's going to unravel is at it.

First things first, Rangers have to deal with a Motherwell side that were justifiably well represented in the PFA's Team of the Year but that are currently enduring their worst run of form of the season.

Rangers won't be taking them lightly, however. They will have watched their last outing against Hearts and realise the 3-1 scoreline disguises the fact Motherwell could have been two or three up before the league leaders mounted an impressive comeback.

Danny Rohl will surely also be impressing upon his players that they cannot afford to start any of their final five fixtures in the manner they began their most recent match against Falkirk.

Sure, they recovered to trounce John McGlynn's side in the end, but such sloppiness will surely be punished if it is allowed to creep in during the final straight.

The psychological aspect of this title run-in is fascinating. Arguably the team that deals best with the pressure will come out on top in the end.

Rangers will probably expect to be third by the time they kick off against Motherwell on Sunday, with Celtic at home to Falkirk the previous evening, but they could be top by the close of play if things go their way with a victory at Ibrox and a Hearts slip-up away to Hibs.

But it's impossible to predict, so let's just wait and see what transpires over another fascinating weekend.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers boss Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before his side host Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• Rohl says it will be a "beautiful moment" and the "biggest goodbye" should outgoing skipper James Tavernier lead the club to the title in his final season.

• He says Tavernier made the final decision on his future and although there's never "good timing" for such announcements, it's good to get "clarity".

• Asked if he would have like Tavernier to stay, Rohl replies: "This is not a topic for today."

• The German adds on Tavernier: "Since I've been here he was a good captain for us, he leads the group on and off the pitch. He is a legend of the club and made an amazing career here. He spoke to the group and I think the most important thing is now we have 21 days to go, five games, focus on these five games and then he will have an incredible goodbye, what he deserved."

• Tuur Rommens and Ryan Naderi - who is back "sooner than expected" - are set to be fit in time to play some part in the title run-in. Rohl says: "For the weekend they are not available, but it looks very positive for the four games after."

• Rohl describes Rangers' warm-weather training camp in Spain last week as "a good mix between hard working on the pitch, a good togetherness off the pitch" and reveals some fans who were there joined the squad for dinner.

• He had productive transfer talks with the Rangers hierarchy: "We have a great conversation. I think it was really great spirit in this camp. We had a daily meeting every day with the board... we are very clear what we want."

• Rohl reveals he was approached in the park yesterday by a Rangers fan, a season-ticket holder for 40 years, who told him winning the title would be "amazing because nobody from us thought we had a chance this season".

• Rangers have to be "careful" against Motherwell, who Rohl says have deserved better recent results amid a five-game winless run and "always create chances" as they play with "calmness and bravery".

• On Celtic captain Callum McGregor's claim the Parkhead side have the edge in the title race despite sitting third, Rohl says: "The most important thing is that we have the belief, we have the confidence that we can win games."

• He stressed Rangers will "keep believing", adding: "We spoke about nine finals, we won the first four finals, it was a good first step. Now we have the next final where we have to go. We try to play our best football in the last five games - if we do this, we have a big opportunity."

• On Emmanuel Fernandez being linked with Arsenal this week: "Manny knows as well what he has here. I think he developed very quickly. We should not forget one year ago he played in League One, now he plays for a big club."

• Rohl says it is a "big compliment" to Rangers that they this week secured 16-year-old full-back Ashton Scally on a first professional contract despite "a lot of interest from a lot of big clubs".

Image source, SNS

Andy Halliday reckons there would be no better way for Rangers captain James Tavernier to sign off than winning the title.

Tavernier, who announced he would leave the club at the conclusion of this season, has won one league title in his 11 years at Ibrox and now has just five games left at the club.

Halliday was the full-back's team-mate in over 100 games and also believes the 34-year-old's impact at the club won't be properly appreciated until he has left.

"I think there's no better way to end an 11-year career at Rangers than by lifting the trophy as a captain at the end of the season," Halliday said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I'm sure Hearts and Celtic have loads to say about that.

"It's always really surprised me how kind of split the Rangers fans' opinion over James Tavernier is.

"Over the 11 years, he's arguably been the best player in the majority of the seasons and I feel as if they had more James Taverniers in those seasons, Rangers would have won a lot more trophies than they did.

"The fact of the matter is, I feel as if he's almost critiqued due to team success rather than what he's been like as a player.

"But he's been an incredible servant, over 550 games, 150 goals as a right-back, taking the club to the Europa League final as captain, finishing the Europa League as top goalscorer in the tournament.

"Obviously, the real kind of negative for him is the fact that he feels as if, as a captain, he's probably not won enough at Rangers."

Despite Tavernier having started less frequently this season, Halliday points out: "He's got 20 goal contributions.

"So he still had such an impact on the pitch any time he's played.

"I remember Connor Goldson saying this years ago when Rangers won the League Cup final, and fans talked about it, but I think it's so true that Rangers fans won't appreciate James Tavernier until he's gone.

"I think in five years' time, when you look back at what he'd done at Rangers, then you really start to see a lot of positive messages about him."

Image source, Getty Images

Hampus Skoglund of Hammarby has been closely monitored by Rangers for several months as they seek a replacement for departing captain James Tavernier, but the Swedish side anticipate bids from all over Europe for the 22-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is a target for Feyenoord and former Ibrox manager Dick Advocaat could play a key role in any approach since he is currently an advisor at the Eredivisie side. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Former Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson says nephew Lewis could leave Bologna this summer but a move to Ibrox is unlikely given the fee the Serie A side would command for the Scotland midfielder. (5 Stars podcast via Scottish Sun), external

Tottenham Hotspur are well aware of Rangers' desire to bring on-loan winger Mikey Moore back next season, but much will depend on whether Roberto Di Zebri's side avoid relegation. (Scottish Sun), external

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What sort of response would you have got from a Rangers fan if you had told them their team would be one point off the top heading into the split, just as Russell Martin was being smuggled out of Falkirk in October?

After that 1-1 draw, Martin was sacked with the Ibrox side in eighth place, 11 points adrift of top spot after a run of just one win in seven league matches.

Six months later, Rangers fought back from two down at the same venue to win 6-3 and keep themselves within touching distance of Hearts.

A victory against Motherwell in their post-split opener at Ibrox on Sunday would send Danny Rohl's men to the summit, at least before the league leaders complete their Edinburgh derby at Hibernian.

It has been far from perfect under Rohl since his October appointment, but after 25 Premiership matches - yielding 18 wins, six draws, and just one defeat - a potential momentum-shifting weekend is upon them.

Fans still need convincing about their team's mental strength to go the distance and doubts will resurface if Rangers fail to start their blockbuster end to the season with a win.

The support have watched their team falter in the split in recent campaigns. In others, the league has already been all but wrapped up - including the Ibrox club's triumph five years ago.

In that title-winning season and the two that followed, Rangers collected 13 points from a possible 15, but they dropped six points last term and five the year before.

Put simply, it is difficult to emerge from the split with a perfect record. And that is before you factor in that the quality of the non-Old Firm teams in the top half has increased this campaign, while the usual standards of Celtic and Rangers have slipped.

However, after two heavy-spending transfer windows and with Rohl's side now on the shoulder of Hearts, fans will not stand for excuses.

A four-week acid test begins on Sunday against a team Rangers have failed to beat in two of their three encounters this term, having only narrowly defeated them in the other.

Image source, SNS

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has thanked outgoing captain James Tavernier for his "phenomenal" 11 years' service at Rangers.

Tavernier announced on Thursday he will leave at the end of the season.

In a statement, Cavenagh said: "On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to put on record our immense thanks and gratitude to James Tavernier for his phenomenal length of service and countless achievements across his 11 years at Rangers.

"It is a real rarity for any player in modern football to stay at any one club for so long, let alone play such a key role in each and every season.

"He departs as a club legend, and his outstanding contributions will never be forgotten by anyone at the club, nor our supporters.

"As James referred to in his departure announcement, however, he hasn't left yet, and in these next five games, there is everything to play for.

"Thank you, Tav."

Image source, SNS

• Rangers have won just two of their past seven league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L2) after winning six in a row against the Steelmen beforehand.

• Motherwell have won two of their past four league visits to Ibrox (L2), as many as their previous 45 prior to this (W2 D7 L36).

• Rangers have scored 14 goals in their past three league games, netting 4+ in each; the last side to score four or more in four consecutive Scottish top-flight games was Celtic in November 2018, while it's a feat Rangers haven't achieved since January 1968.

• Rangers have had 21 different scorers (excluding own goals) in the Premiership this season, the joint most of any club in a campaign since the competition rebranded in 2013, levelling Celtic's tallies in 2015-16, 2020-21, and 2023-24.

• Motherwell have lost four of their past five league games (D1) - as many as their previous 34 beforehand (W17 D13 L4). They have conceded 11 goals in those past five matches – as many as their previous 23 in the Scottish Premiership.

Image source, SNS

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson was "shocked" that James Tavernier announced he would be leaving the club.

Thomson would have liked to see the captain's experience stay in the building and believes he still has plenty to offer despite appearing more as a substitute this season.

"I was actually a bit shocked when I first saw it. My phone went, I saw it on social media, a lot of comments, a lot of people posting it," Thomson told BBC Scotland.

"I still think there's a place at the club for him and I still think he can bring a lot to the party with the experience he's got.

"You can't keep everybody I suppose and one door kind of closes and another one opens for the next person to get an opportunity.

"If I had the power within the club to keep someone like Tavernier, I think you need as many good types as you can get."

Despite only winning three major trophies with the club, Thomson insists Tavernier should not be judged solely on that return and feels he will leave a hole in Rangers' squad.

"I think the general consensus within the fan base is just how brilliant a captain and how brilliant a leader he's been," Thomson said.

"I know when you start to divulge the trophies and all these types of things, I get that that's an easy narrative to throw at him, but a captain doesn't make a winning title team, it's about the team, it's about the manager, it's also about your rivals at the time.

"There's more to it than just saying that I've won X amount of trophies, but his goals, the respect that he's got within the building is massive.

"That's why I would lean towards keeping that type around the building, but at the same time, there might be a new era for the club looking forward.

"So, a wonderful player, a brilliant captain, had a brilliant relationship with the Rangers fans over the years and he will be sadly missed."

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James Tavernier goalscoring return is unparalleled for a defender, but his defensive vulnerabilities and lack of major trophies means he leaves a "complicated" legacy at Rangers.

That's according to the The Herald's Stephen McGowan, after Tavernier announced he will leave Ibrox at the end of this season.

The English defender signed from Wigan in 2015 and has gone on to score 144 goals and contribute 148 assists in 562 appearances.

He won the Scottish Premiership in the 2020-21 season, the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the Scottish League Cup in 2024, as well as reaching the Europa League final in 2022.

"He's definitely one of these players that fit into that category of 'You'll miss him when he's gone' and he'll only be fully appreciated when that's the case," McGowan said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"But it's complicated. For the cash paid it's a tremendous piece of value. 562 games, 144 goals, 148 assists. Won a league, won a Scottish Cup, won a League Cup. He led Rangers to a Europa League final in Seville, which I think probably was his highlight of his time at Rangers.

"But, there is always a but with James Tavernier, because he was a polarising figure because he won three out of 30 major tournaments, major trophies.

"I think there's always a feeling with a Rangers captain there should be more than that along the way.

"Not only that, but also that feeling he didn't defend as well as he might have at times because we can all remember high-profile examples like Daizen Maeda and so on where in big games goals seemed to be lost on his side of the pitch."

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers are keen on Moreirense centre-back Gilberto Batista, with the 22-year-old Guinea international valued at around £2.6m by the Portuguese club. (O Jogo - in Portuguese), external

Rangers want to make the loan for Nasser Djiga a permanent transfer, but Wolverhampton Wanderers intend to recoup their £10m investment in the 23-year-old Burkina Faso defender. (226foot.com - in French), external

Jack Butland could be the next big name to depart Rangers as manager Danny Rohl prepares for a huge summer transfer window at Ibrox. (Football Insider), external

Celtic may rival Rangers in the race to sign Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. (talkSPORT), external

Former Rangers coach Alex Rae has questioned the "strange" timing of James Tavernier's exit announcement, calling news of the captain's summer departure "a distraction". (Scottish Sun), external

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We asked for your views on James Tavernier's Rangers career after the captain announced he will leave at the end of the season following an 11-year stint.

Here is a selection of your thoughts:

Steven: Tavernier has always carried himself well and behaved the way a Rangers captain should. However, despite this and all his goals and assists, his defending has always been poor and mistakes have possibly offset many of those goals! He's been a fantastic servant and captain to the club during many difficult times and leaves with his head held high.

Louise: Tavernier has been a true servant to Rangers. He has stayed through highs and lows and quietly taken criticism and graciously taken praise. For me, Tav is a Rangers legend and a loyal captain. Though I'm sad to see him leave, now is probably a good time as he hasn't been starting every game. Let's hope he can leave on a high - thanks for everything skipper.

Chris: Tavernier has been a tremendous contributor to this club. His goals and assists have been a big part of our return from the depths of the lower leagues. He has deserved better from some sections of the fanbase who perhaps expect too much. You've still got a few seasons left, James, and I wish you the best wherever you're headed.

Paul: Tavernier gave 11 years of good service, his goalscoring record speaks for itself. Like most Rangers fans we have all suffered for years but he gave his best and gave us some great European nights. I think the last three years he was a bit off the pace but I hope he goes out with a bang and wins the 56, good luck Tavernier and thanks for all your efforts.

John: Whatever any of us would choose to say about Tavernier's time with Rangers, none of us can question his commitment and scoring record. Despite the lack of silverware for the club, we should all acknowledge his record of appearances, assist and goals scored. Thank you Tavernier.

Antony: Legend is an overused term these days. Tav is no doubt a Rangers legend. Loyal, professional, consistent and absolute quality. He could have easily played for a top, top team in any league. Have really enjoyed watching him and his goals. Thank you Tav!

Andrew: Tavernier has overall been a fantastic servant to Rangers. His goals tell the importance of his role within the team and although found wanting at times defensively he has been an anchor and such a reliable player. The amount of times he has stepped up and taken either a penalty or a free kick to score the winning goal under pressure is incredible. Thanks for the memories, forever grateful and will always be remembered, Tavernier legend.

David: Despite what some might say, Tavernier has been great for Rangers. Without his goals and assists, we would have been a lot worse off. His numbers are incredible. A few more league titles would have been nice, but he single-handedly dragged Rangers above and beyond the team they were. Unforgettable nights in the Europa League were amazing. The question is: who do we replace him with? it's going to take a while.

Gordon: A great captain who deserves a proper send-off. Has had his critics but delivered when it mattered and played with passion. The number of goals he contributed can't be understated; the man deserves special recognition and the club owes him its gratitude. Sadly there are those who will only truly recognise his worth and contribution to the club post departure.

Image source, SNS

James Tavernier has "lifted up his team more than he has dragged it down".

That's the view of Joshua Barrie, editor of the Rangers Review, as he digests the impending exit of the long-serving Ibrox captain.

"He's been someone that Rangers have relied upon too heavily at points and that has not helped him, but he's never hid away from it," Barrie told BBC Scotland.

"There's been a lot of bad moments and a lot of good moments. What I would come back to is the [2022] Europa League run.

"That was really powered by him, he was a right-back and at the peak of his career after winning the league title a year before. He scores in every single round, I think he scores the opening goal in just about every single round as well.

"He scores in the penalty shootout, but others miss and he doesn't win that title. He's so close to being a European-winning captain and that would have been more than deserved based on his contribution. But he has not played for the club in an illustrious period in terms of winning trophies.

"Some people will say he's been a part of that, of course he has, but my general viewpoint is that with time, especially if he wins this league title, that European campaign will kind of sum up that he was so often so heavily relied upon and took Rangers so far.

"He hasn't been able to always get over the line and now it will be intriguing to see if he can over these next five games."

Barrie believes the ending to this season's thrilling Premiership title race could "colour" Tavernier's legacy.

"If he plays a pivotal role in helping win it, compared to maybe the alternative to that, that will certainly determine the send-off to a degree," he added.

"However, I also think, with time, you look at the situation he came into. I remember him early on playing away at Alloa and you think of the heights he then got to with the club captaincy and then to a European final.

"It's not been perfect. Of course there's been mistakes, but I think so often that's been due to an over-reliance.

"I also think the durability, leaving as the UK's highest ever goalscorer, the ability to turn up week after week in a team that's lacked a lot of other individuals to do that.

"The 55th league title was so significant for so many reasons and that is, I think, what he will be associated with and remembered with in time."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

From a perceived lack of leadership to suspect defending, James Tavernier has had to face his fair share of criticism - much of it unfair - during his 11 years at Rangers.

The list of things some supporters have attempted to lambast him for has at times been absurd. Facing scrutiny for treating himself to a chip shop takeaway comes to mind.

What cannot be disputed, however, is the captain's relentless attacking output from the right of the Ibrox side's defence.

No matter the manager - and there have been a few - Tavernier has continually produced.

In 562 Rangers games, the defender has scored 144 goals. It is silly stuff.

The instant counterpoint to try to diminish that statistic will sound something like: 'But they're all penalties.'

Granted, just over half of them have come from the spot, but when you throw in 148 assists, the 34-year-old's numbers start to look outrageous.

Even in his farewell season, Tavernier is currently Rangers' top scorer with 14 goals. Factor in his six assists and he has contributed to 20 goals this term.

For most other full-backs, that would be a career-best campaign. For Tavernier, it has become his standard.

As well as becoming a dead-ball specialist - from stunning free-kicks to deadly set-piece deliveries - he has developed a knack for timing runs and arriving at the back post in the fashion a forward would be proud of.

In five of his past 10 campaigns, he has netted at least 15 times. In one of them he managed 17. In three straight seasons he scored 19, 18 and 18. Across 2023-24 he managed 24.

And that is before you count up the goals he has provided for his team-mates.

Since his first season playing in Scotland's top flight, nobody has scored more than his tally of 83 Premiership goals. Former team-mate Alfredo Morelos and Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland are next in line, both strikers.

In fact, pull that start date all the way back to the 2000-01 campaign and only nine players have netted more Scottish top-tier goals than Tavernier.

He is equal with joint record holder Ally McCoist on 21 Rangers European goals. He is only 38 goals away from being included in Rangers' top 10 all-time record scorers.

He ended the 2021-22 Europa League campaign - which concluded with Rangers losing the final - as the competition's top scorer for the season.

And perhaps most staggering of all, with 152 goals overall in his career, he is the highest-scoring defender in the history of British football.

Tavernier has often been the fall guy at Rangers, which perhaps comes with the territory of wearing the armband at Ibrox, but these are numbers and longevity that would see most forwards leave as legends.

For Tavernier, his status as a legend is a touchy subject for some and a source of debate for others. A second Premiership title would go some way to ending that, though.

Image source, SNS

Now James Tavernier's imminent Rangers exit has been announced, a Scottish Premiership triumph presents the perfect opportunity to end his 11-year spell.

The right-back has already captained the Ibrox side to a Scottish top-flight title, as well as a Scottish Cup, League Cup and Europa League final.

The 34-year-old has insisted "this isn't the end just yet", with the team "fully focused on pushing for the league title".

And Rangers podcaster Scott Cameron feels a second top-flight crown would be a storybook ending for the long-serving right-back.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I think this is the time for him to leave in the summer, but that's not to say he can't have an impact across these last five games.

"He's come up with a lot of big moments for Rangers across his career and it would be the fairytale ending for him to lift the trophy on the final day of the season and bang a free-kick in the top corner that wins the league."

Image source, SNS

Team-mates past and present have been paying tribute to James Tavernier after the Rangers skipper announced he will leave the club after 11 years this summer.

"Legend" was a a common theme, with current midfielder Nicolas Raskin and striker Bojan Miovski plus ex-team-mates Cyriel Dessers and Glen Kamara among those to choose that accolade on Instagram.

Former defender Leon Balogun was more expansive, saying: "Came as a young man, leaving as a legend! My skipper."

And ex-midfielder John Lundstram said: "One of the best, never ever hid in the hard times and delivered a the biggest times! Absolute legend."

Steven Gerrard, the manager who led Rangers to the league title in 2021 with Tavernier as skipper, opted for a love heart and applause emoji.

Former team-mate Jordan Jones said: "Incredible leader, player and person. Tav be proud skip."

And Steven Davis, a title-winning team-mate of Tavernier, added: "Incredible service to the club, drive the boys and make sure you get the send-off you deserve."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Departing skipper James Tavernier's time at Rangers is an anomaly in a number of ways.

Eleven years' service at one club, most of those as captain, is increasingly rare in modern football, outside exceptions like Callum McGregor and James Forrest at Celtic. More so, as the long-serving full-back had no previous connection to Rangers.

Comparison with those figures is perhaps the thing that will frustrate the Englishman, and Rangers fans, most when he reflects on his time at Ibrox.

Too often, trophies eluded him as Celtic scooped them up. Preventing their Glasgow rivals winning 10 titles in a row was enormous but too often it was a case of close but no cigar and at Rangers, that's not good enough. The expectation is to win – the trophy return just doesn't reflect that demand.

That said, Tavernier was often dragging Rangers through difficult times near single-handedly. As Rangers churned through managers, the Englishman remained a steady, talented and significant constant. One wonders where they would have been on their turbulent journey without him at certain points?

His individual stats going forward are astonishing. His goals, his set-piece technique and assists a fountain of joy for the Rangers support. Defensively, he could be caught out but he more than delivered and often in big moments.

Too often, though, disappointment was the end result. He has faced criticism at times in his Rangers career and perhaps familiarity and a lack of silverware bred that, despite all his attributes.

At 34, it would seem the right call to depart. Tavernier commands a sizeable salary and his appearances and impact have diminished.

There will no doubt be real motivation from all at Rangers to send their captain off on the highest of highs with a second Premiership title to his name to further cement his position in the club's hall of fame.

Image source, SNS

James Tavernier has confirmed his 11-year spell at Rangers will end this summer, but the captain insists "this isn't the end just yet", with the team "fully focused on pushing for the league title".

The 34-year-old, who joined from Wigan in 2015, confirmed earlier this week he had not yet been offered a new deal.

He has now revealed his time at Ibrox will conclude at the end of the season, which he hopes will end in a second Scottish Premiership title triumph.

"After a lot of thought, I've made the decision that this will be my final season at the club," Tavernier said on Instagram., external

"This hasn't been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years.

"It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch. From the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.

"To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of.

"Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words."

Tavernier has already captained Rangers to a Scottish top-flight title in 2021, as well as a Scottish Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League final.

He has achieved that while providing remarkable attacking output from right-back, contributing a combined goals and assists tally of 292 over 562 games.

Despite now not being a guaranteed starter, Tavernier has still featured from the off in 36 of his 49 appearances this term and is Rangers' top scorer with 14 goals.

Tavernier will hope to add another Premiership medal to his collection as Rangers go into their final five Premiership fixtures just one point behind leaders Hearts.

"We've shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way," he added.

"These include lifting the Scottish Cup, League Cup, our journey to a European final and those unforgettable European nights at Ibrox against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, where the atmosphere was something I will never forget.

"It also includes winning the league title and delivering 55, a moment that meant everything to this club and its supporters and one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"This isn't the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title. I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have, until the very last day."

Rangers fans, what do you think of the news that Tavernier is departing after 11 years? And how will you reflect on his time at the club? Send us your thoughts.

We asked for your views on which Rangers player has been the biggest disappointment this season.

Here are some of your comments:

Alexander: I've been a bit disappointed in Andreas Skov Olsen. He has not shown in previous abilities. I hope Rangers do not squander £8m on this player.

Lee: Has to be John Souttar and Skov Olsen. Souttar has been really poor all season, whilst Skov Olsen arrived in January to much fanfare but hasn't made as much of an impact we would've wanted from him.

Chris: Unfortunately, there have been too many but Max Aarons is probably the worst followed by Oliver Antman, Nedim Bajrami and Skov Olsen. Fortunately, we managed to get rid of a few of the dross that Kevin Thelwell brought in.

Billy: Antman and Skov Olsen have been abject. Youssef Chermiti is far too inconsistent, but has the potential. Souttar has underperformed.

Alan: Skov Olsen has been the biggest disappointment. Coming with a big reputation and a good international pedigree, he has failed to live up to expectations and struggled for any kind of consistency. He would have to hit some big numbers to help bag us this title from here on out to even be considered for a permanent transfer.

Chris: Thelo Aasgaard has underperformed a lot this season. He is a young guy who came into a chaotic first-team environment and has shown some signs of improvement recently. He has been frustrating at times though as he has all the attributes to be a big impact player.

Gareth McAuley urges former club Rangers to sign 20-year-old Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, who is expected to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer. (Record), external

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Gary McAllister is hoping for a Rangers triumph in a Scottish Premiership title race that will "go right to the wire" - but he expects his former side Motherwell "to have a big say".

The ex-Scotland midfielder was part of Steven Gerrard's backroom team when the Ibrox club last won Scotland's top flight five years ago.

Danny Rohl's men are currently just one point behind leaders Hearts, with Celtic three points off the summit in third.

"Everybody's paying attention to it because it's a three-horse race and not just two teams fighting for it," McAllister told BBC Scotland.

"I think Derek McInnes has done an amazing job. Hearts are not going away. They've had a good lead, they're still in front, and Celtic never go away.

"I think it'll go right to the wire. Obviously, having worked at Rangers with Steven and winning the last title to make it 55, I would like to see Rangers get 56."

Rangers' post-split schedule kicks off with the visit of Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday (15:00 BST).

Former Liverpool player McAllister started his playing career at Fir Park and has been impressed with Jens Berthel Askou's side this term.

Many have predicted Askou's men will influence the title race with their ability to take points off the top three, and McAllister agrees.

"My old club here, Motherwell, they're going to have a big say because they've played some wonderful football this season," he added.

"I've been really impressed by them. They've fallen away a wee bit, but they've got a big say in where the title's going to end up."