---
title: "Rangers: Mark Warburton praises James Tavernier"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/warburton-praises-tavernier/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Features"
published: "2020-10-15T19:00:52Z"
modified: "2020-10-15T19:00:52Z"
---

# Rangers: Mark Warburton praises James Tavernier

**Mark Warburton has called Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier a “class act”.**

### **Warburton praises former signing Tavernier**

Warburton was actually the man who took the 28-year-old to Ibrox, [bringing him in from Wigan Athletic](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/33598096). He has been a stalwart for Rangers ever since, despite occasional [criticism](https://www.footballfancast.com/scottish-premier/rangers/james-tavernier-twitter-comments-reaction) from some supporters. All in all, he has [54](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-tavernier/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/62094) goals and 78 assists in 256 matches for the ‘Gers – very impressive numbers for a right-back.

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The current QPR manager is clearly still a big fan of the defender, as he told [The Scottish Sun](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/6160228/celtic-rangers-warburton-gerrard-win-old-firm-title/):

> *“I can’t speak highly enough of James Tavernier. He is a class act, I’ve said that all along. Form is temporary, class is permanent.*
>
> *“Tav may have had a  number of poor  performances in the last year or two. But there’s no doubt about his commitment to Rangers  and his desire for the team to do well.*
>
> *“Tav keeps looking to progress his game. He’s got  a passion for Rangers and gives everything to the club.*
>
> *“I know he’s immensely proud of being club captain.*
>
> *“Tav missed a couple of penalties, like every player has, and there have been days when it’s looked like he couldn’t pass water.*
>
> *“But players are only human. Even the very best have off days.*
>
> *“Tav’s never shied away from taking responsibility.*
>
> *“I’ll always defend him and  believe he can lift a major trophy this season, hopefully the Premiership title.”*

### **Tavernier is massively important**

Whilst Warburton may [not be most popular figure](https://www.rangersnews.uk/club-news/rangers-fast-criticise-mark-warburton-after-steven-gerrard-comments/) among some Rangers fans, he deserves praise for the signing of Tavernier. For the last five years, the 28-year-old has been one of the few consistent faces at Ibrox, and his role as captain shows how highly he is regarded at the club.

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There was [reportedly](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-west-ham-considering-bid-rangers-defender-tavernier) interest from West Ham during the summer transfer window, which illustrates he is highly-regarded in the Premier League, as well. Fortunately for Steven Gerrard and his squad,  Tavernier is still at Ibrox; and with eight strikes and four assists in 13 games already this season, he looks in peak form.

***‘Gers fans, do you agree with Warburton’s views on Tavernier? Let us know what you think by commenting below!***