Rangers captain James Tavernier returned from his recent appendix surgery to take his place in the team for Wednesday night’s 2-1 Premiership clash win over Hibernian, with the 29-year-old taking to Twitter after the match (via @James_Tavernier) to express his delight at being back on the pitch.
https://twitter.com/James_Tavernier/status/1225193111393128450
The right-back came into the side for his first appearance of 2020, having not missed a single minute of league action prior to the mid-season break, ending a five-match sequence without getting any action (he was an unused substitute against Aberdeen last weekend). [via TransferMarkt]
Tavernier has registered 12 assists already in the current campaign, the second highest tally in Steven Gerrard’s squad, and he was also involved in his team’s equaliser against Hibernian, sending in the free kick which ultimately resulted in George Edmundson making it 1-1 on the stroke of half-time. In the opening minutes, he set up an opportunity for Alfredo Morelos, who was denied by a fine save from Ofir Marciano.
Glasgow Times reporter Matthew Lindsay gave the Rangers captain a seven in his player ratings and felt that “his side benefitted greatly from his presence in the starting line-up once again”. Meanwhile, these ‘Gers fans on Twitter were delighted to see the 29-year-old back in the team after his recent layoff:
Glad to have you back tonight Cap. We sorely missed you.
— WCPRANGERS1973 (@paterson_c) February 5, 2020
Don’t get injured again please
— Fra (@f_andrew_rfc) February 5, 2020
Tavs back, Win! Can’t argue with stats 😉. ❤️🤍💙
— ALD0 (@a22an) February 5, 2020
Please don’t leave us again 💙
— Laura 🍎 (@TheLauraLothian) February 5, 2020
Shows how much how style relies on two full backs bombing forward. Great to have you back skipper 🔴⚪🔵
— Keith McAuley (@keith_mcauley) February 6, 2020
Captain playing=win 💙
— Lara Ferguson (@LaraFerguson9) February 5, 2020
You were missed. Your presence tonight was felt captain 👌 please dont get injured again!
— Jayne Sutherland (@J_Sutherlandx) February 5, 2020
Good to get the 90 odd mins first game back cool head as usual well done captain 👍🔴⚪🔵
— Alan Fleming (@afleming1769) February 5, 2020
What did you make of Tavernier’s performance against Hibernian? How much do you think Rangers missed him during his recent convalescence? Join in the discussion by commenting below!
