James Tavernier has praised Rangers striker Fashion Sakala for the work he has been doing ‘in the background’ at Ibrox before scoring three at Motherwell, via the Glasgow Times.
Sakala joined Steven Gerrard’s Premiership winners this summer on a free transfer after his KV Oostende contract expired in June. The Zambia forward has since struggled to establish a key role in Glasgow, with Sunday only his third start in eight league appearances so far.
Motherwell also marked only the second time that Sakala has played a full 90-minutes for Rangers across all competitions. Prior to travelling to Fir Park, the 24-year-old only heard the final whistle after starting against Sparta Prague in September.
Tavernier believes Sakala earned his rewards by scoring a hat-trick against Motherwell for the work he puts in at Rangers. The Gers skipper initially drew Gerrard’s side level following Bevis Mugabi’s opener, before Sakala, Glen Kamara and Kemar Roofe scored.
“Fashion, he has been absolutely sensational for us,” Tavernier said. “He has been in the background, working hard, and he got his hat-trick today and I am really proud of him.
“I thought everyone contributed so well and it gave us the opportunity to bring on subs and people to get more game time. I thought we were terrific.
“He [Sakala] worked hard from the first whistle to the last whistle. Whoever gave him the gel just before his third goal, that is an assist in itself. Great ball from Davo to get him his hat-trick. He worked hard, he got himself in those positions and he has been rewarded.”
Motherwell the start for Sakala at Rangers?
Gerrard will hope Sunday’s rout over Motherwell will just be the start for Sakala at Ibrox after earning Tavernier’s praise. The £8.3k-a-week striker travelled to Fir Park with just one goal to his name after 13 appearances across all competitions.
He is also still waiting for his first assist, after earning the penalty Tavernier scored against Aberdeen last Wednesday. But Sakala will take confidence in scoring three against Graham Alexander’s side as Rangers enjoyed their biggest win in the Premiership this season.
Each of Sakala’s goals against Motherwell were also different, with his first coming from a header from Tavernier’s cross. He then struck his second past Liam Kelly from the edge of the box. And later pounced from close range to tap in Steven Davis’ delivery for his treble.
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