Noel Whelan has given his reaction as an update emerged on Glasgow Rangers ace James Tavernier.

The Lowdown: Back in training

Speaking recently on his Twitch channel (via The Scottish Sun), Tavernier has revealed that he is still battling illness but his health is 'good'.

The right-back also said that he has started training again ahead of a return to first-team action.

The Latest: Whelan on Tavernier

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Coventry City striker now pundit Whelan has claimed that it will be a boost for Steven Gerrard's team to have Tavernier back, and compared the situation to that of Virgil Van Dijk when he returned to Liverpool after a long injury:

“It is absolutely a boost to have him back.

“He’s like Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and when he came back, they have missed the presence of that player out of the field.

“He is a key part of their first 11 and has been for years and years now. Not just with his set-pieces but the way he leads that team.

“It’s a massive boost for Gerrard and sometimes when you have a player like that it’s a calming influence out there on the field as well.”

The Verdict: Boost

It certainly is a boost for the Light Blues to have Tavernier back, given the influence that he has on the side both on off the pitch as well as on it.

Being the captain, his character has certainly been missed in the dressing room, and on the pitch, the Englishman has already managed to bag himself four assists in six games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, his return will certainly be welcomed by his teammates after everyone returns from the international break, as the Ibrox faithful look to kick on from their 1-0 derby win over Celtic.

In other news, find out which Premier League club wanted to sign this 'magnificent' Ger here!