Tavernier was linked with a move from Rangers to three Premier League sides this summer.
Connor Goldson has been quoted by Rangers’ official podcast as saying that Gers captain James Tavernier is capable of playing in the Premier League – after being linked with three top-tier English sides this summer.
Tavernier, 27, has continued to grow in a Light Blue shirt since joining the club in the summer of 2015 from Wigan Athletic. Since then, he has clocked up 148 appearances in all competitions – scoring 29 and creating 41 from right-back.
This summer, The Mirror claimed Everton and Burnley – as well as Swansea City wanted Tavernier – before the Express claimed towards the end of the window that Brighton & Hove Albion fancied the former Newcastle United star.
During Wednesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash against FC Ufa, Goldson said he told Tavernier that he is a Premier League defender – but must improve the defensive side of his game.
“Tav has been brilliant,” Goldson said. “From what I’ve seen of him this season, he deserves to wear the captain’s armband every week. He’s taken his game to a new level.
“When I came here in pre-season I said to him that he is a Premier League defender, he just needs to sort out his defending at times. This season, he’s been unbelievable. I’ve never played with a right-back that can attack like that.”
Tavernier and Goldson are expected to combine once again on Thursday night, as Gerrard looks for his players to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions since the former Liverpool and England captain took over.
Indeed, the Gers are just one step away from the Europa League group stage, with only Russian side FC Ufa standing in their way. They face the Russians at Ibrox on Thursday, before a nine-hour plane journey for the second leg.
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