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BBC’s Willie Miller left impressed by James Tavernier in Rangers win

Glasgow Rangers' English defender James Tavernier runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group G football match between Rangers and Feyen...
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The Ibrox captain helped Rangers to a vital 4-0 victory away to St Johnstone on Sunday.

Glasgow Rangers' English defender James Tavernier runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group G football match between Rangers and Feyenoord at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow,...

Pundit Willie Miller has singled out James Tavernier as the ‘galvanising’ force behind Rangers’ second half performance against St Johnstone on Sunday, speaking to BBC Scotland (22/09 live match page, 13:54).

With the two sides locked at 0-0 heading into the interval, Steven Gerrard’s team required a massive 45 minutes to get the job done and pick up all three points.

A four-goal blitz eventually made it comfortable, with the Gers looking motivated and threatening throughout the half.

For Miller, it was the contribution of Tavernier on the right flank that stood out, believing his ambition and crossing set the tone for Rangers getting up the pitch.

As quoted by BBC Scotland (22/09 live match page, 13:54), he said: “A big part of Rangers performance has come down that right-hand side. Just look at how many crosses James Tavernier has had in the second half and measure that against the ones he didn’t have in the first half.”

A captain’s inspiration?

The Rangers captain didn’t even have his best afternoon and his positional lapses again reared their head, giving St Johnstone too much space to exploit.

Ultimately though his decision to play as more of a winger than a full-back paid off.

Glasgow Rangers' English defender James Tavernier misses this penalty kick during the UEFA Europa League Group G football match between Rangers and Feyenoord at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow,...

It was Tavernier’s classy whipped cross that led to Connor Goldson’s goal, Rangers’ second of the game, which pretty much put the result beyond doubt.

Miller then is right to suggest his presence in the opposition half had a big impact.

Whether that’s a viable tactic against stronger sides is up for debate, but today the Ibrox favourite ensured that Rangers would go for the win.

That commitment to attack may be risky but is perhaps what they need to continue turning matches that would have ended in draws last term, into wins this time around.