Steven Gerrard admits James Tavernier is ‘in the firing line’ at Rangers

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Rangers take on Porto tonight – and Ibrox star James Tavernier is under pressure.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has told the Daily Record that he has had a couple of chats with James Tavernier since his struggles against Hearts.

The Gers headed over to Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon to take on Craig Levein’s side, and fell behind due to a Tavernier error.

He failed to deal with a ball into the box, and whilst Allan McGregor saved him at first, Ryotaro Meshino converted the rebound to put Hearts ahead.

Alfredo Morelos ensured Rangers left with a point, but fans were criticising right back Tavernier for another error, which has become a theme in big games.

The Rangers captain doesn’t have major competition for his role, with Matt Polster rarely seen in a Rangers shirt since arriving at Ibrox, and Tavernier needs a big performance tonight.

Rangers head away to Porto in the Europa League, and Tavernier can calm some of the fears about his performances by turning in a big display.

Ahead of the game, Rangers boss Gerrard has admitted that he knows Tavernier is in the firing line due to his prominent role at such a big club, and the pair have had a couple of chats since Sunday’s draw.

Gerrard noted that he’s going to back Tavernier, but nobody is undroppable, and the right back has to deal with the pressure and criticism and come back stronger than ever.

“James is well aware he is in the firing line but that is life at a big club,” said Gerrard. “We’ve had a couple of chats since the weekend. I’m going to back him, of course I am. I believe he has the character and ability to bounce back and put in a performance. I’ve asked him to reset and do the basics as well as he can and get his focus back. I’m sure if he does that he will be totally fine. What he doesn’t need is people he trusts and those around him to doubt him because that would be a mistake. We all know the player he is.”

“Nobody is undroppable but at the same time I’m not going to be the type of manager who stick a player in the bin and forgets about him when he makes a couple of mistakes. James has enough in the bank with me and the team and supporters to know he will bounce back. I have no doubt he can go and perform incredibly well. He has to deal with that pressure and we will do our best to help him,” he added.