Glasgow Rangers defender James Tavernier talks about the next major challenge lies ahead of the Ibrox club.
Rangers are 11 points behind arch rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premier League, but in the latest meeting between the two sides the Gers have shown that they can match the Bhoys on their day.
The Ibrox outfit went into the break on a high as they drew with Celtic at Parkhead – only the second time since their return to the Scottish Premiership.
James Tavernier was one of the stand out players in that game. The right-back was a constant threat going forward, while he was equally solid at the back.
The 26-year-old says that Rangers have done well against top teams this season – Aberdeen were beaten home and away – but they often lose the focus against the smaller clubs in the top flight.
“Doing the same thing as we did against Celtic against the likes of Dundee and Kilmarnock is now the challenge for us,” said Tavernier, as quoted by the Evening Times.
“I think it is probably down to our mental approach than anything. Every team that plays us work their socks off to get a result against us. We have obviously got to match that and go above that.
“They are the games that are important because we obviously don’t want to drop any more points because it will cost us in the league. We have to continue working hard.”
The Gers have lost to teams like Hamilton, Dundee, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock this season. Tavernier rightly points out that Rangers need to pick up points against weaker oppositions as well and that is their major challenge lying ahead.
Rangers certainly have shown fighting spirit against top teams, but they must also learn how to grind out results against lower teams. If they can do it on a consistent basis, there’s no reason why they cannot close the gap with Celtic in the second half of the campaign.
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