Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has told The Scottish Sun that James Tavernier is determined to play against John Kennedy’s Celtic.
Gerrard’s Rangers will take on bitter Old Firm rivals Celtic at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup this coming weekend.
Tavernier is the first-choice right-back at Rangers and is the club captain, and Gerrard has said that the former Newcastle United defender wants to be involved against Celtic.
However, the Rangers boss has made it clear that he will not take a risk on the fitness of the 29-year-old, who is injured at the moment.
Gerrard told The Scottish Sun: “James has again had a good couple of days since we last spoke and he’s pushing hard to be involved at the weekend
“We’ll only do that if he is ready, we won’t force that. He’s been out too long for us to force that.
“He’ll have to show this week that there’s more progression and get him out amongst the team at some point if he’s to earn a place in the squad.”
Stick with Nathan Patterson
Nathan Patterson has been playing well at right-back in recent games, and the 19-year-old is available for the match against Celtic despite controversy surrounding the delay in the SFA hearing.
The Scotland Under-21 international is good going forward and is sound defensively as well, and playing against Celtic in the Scottish Cup would be good for his development and progress as a footballer.
Rangers, who have already won the Scottish Premiership title this season, will fancy their chances of winning the tie against Celtic.
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