The Glasgow Rangers right-back insists he is relishing the prospect of having to fight for his place at Ibrox.
Rangers right-back James Tavernier has insisted to the club’s official website that he is far from concerned about facing competition from new signing Lee Hodson next season.
Tavernier was one of the biggest stars of the Gers’ superb Championship-winning season last term in his first campaign at the club, making 50 appearances in all competitions and scoring an incredible 15 goals from right-back.
He was relatively unchallenged for his place in the side last term, but the signing of Northern Ireland international Lee Hodson from MK Dons will see him faced with a battle to keep his spot for the first time at Ibrox.
Many players would be concerned by that move, but Tavernier told the club’s website that he is simply relishing the prospect of having somebody breathing down his neck all season long, as he believes it will only sour him on to become an even better player.
The 24-year-old said: “What brings the best football out of me, is me being challenged. Last season, Lee Wallace and I were the only full-backs in the team, and the challenge wasn’t there but we still maintained high standards.
“But when there is competition for places and there is someone there to step in, it forces you to work harder and become better.
“I am relishing the opportunity to work with someone who wants my position, and hopefully that will bring a better player out of me.”
Tavernier would surely settle for reproducing anything like his superb form of last season as he faces up to the challenge of playing in the Scottish top flight for the very first time.
Whilst Hodson is an able deputy, supporters will be expecting to see the former Newcastle man lining up on the right side of defence again this year as they look to knock arch-rivals Celtic off their perch.
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