Sky Sports pundit Andy Walker has raved about Rangers defender James Tavernier by insisting he has improved this season, and even feels he would be a worthy nominee for the Player of the Year crown.
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in the Gers side and arguably the most consistent performer at Ibrox this campaign.
He has continued to ply his trade as an attack-minded right-back, while there is also a suggestion he has sharpened up defensively too.
The Englishman has made 41 appearances across all competitions so far this term, scoring eight goals and supplying nine assists in return.
Walker was asked who would make his shortlist for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award and suggested Celtic duo Scott Brown and James Forrest would be worthy nominees, while also mentioning Rangers’ Tavernier and Hibernian’s John McGinn.
“If I had a vote I’d give it to Scott Brown I think he has been the top man for Celtic and Scottish football. James Forrest was my favourite earlier in the season, but I think his form has dipped a little,” Walker told Sky Sports.
“Elsewhere I’d look at the likes of Tavernier at Rangers, who I think has been a better player this season.
“I think John McGinn at Hibs, he is eye-catching and gets goals so they would be a good top four.”
OPINION
Rangers went missing in their 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final last week, but the only man who could hold his head up high afterwards was Tavernier. The full-back has become a key performer in Graeme Murty’s side due to the fact he offers so much both offensively and defensively. He didn’t have it all plain sailing when he first linked up with the Gers and supporters had their doubts, but he has developed into a senior player and should now be entering the peak years of his career. Rangers still need quite an overhaul in their squad if they are to compete with Celtic in the future for silverware, but Tavernier can certainly play a piece in that jigsaw.