A selection of Rangers fans were left raving over the contribution from defensive flyer James Tavernier in the first half of their Europa League qualifier against Shkupi on Thursday evening.
The Gers went into half time with a 1-0 lead thanks to Jamie Murphy’s effort, which came after a swift counter attack from Steven Gerrard’s men, the manager taking charge of his first competitive clash in the dugout.
23' GOAL: Murphy attacking into the box and shooting low with his left foot beyond Zendeli in goal to give the Gers the lead. 1:0
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 12, 2018
However, while Murphy might have netted the goal, it was the performance of Tavernier, the newly appointed captain, which had many of the Ibrox faithful delighted on Twitter, the right sided speedster delivering the ball which led to the opening goal after using his pace to break down the flank.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ messages on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/RSCPDX/status/1017486346783371264
Fantastic goal. That link up play from Tav and Candeias was class
— Paul McCrory (@PaulMcCrory94) July 12, 2018
What a goal! Windass covering right back position, Tav rampage forward and a calm finish from a classy Murphy. Great football.
— bigrabsays (@bigrabsays) July 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/ALargue4RFC/status/1017486361023172609
https://twitter.com/DavidDewar1/status/1017486362008801280
Forgot how much I loved Candeias & Tav together ????????
— Mazza (@ScotsGeekGirl) July 12, 2018
Great ball from Tavernier to switch the play and find Murphy, who’s tame shot really should have been saved by the Shkupi keeper… not that Stevie G will care!
— talkingbaws (@talkingbawscom) July 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChurchofLaudrup/status/1017486214339940352
https://twitter.com/ByTheMinRangers/status/1017491772975603712
Opinion
Tavernier might have divided opinion at Ibrox over the last couple of years but he certainly seems to have the fans on side against Shkupi. His pace is always a threat down the wing and while he might be suspect defensively, he makes up for that with his attacking threat, often putting in decent deliveries from open play as well as dead ball situations. He has done just that again with his assist for Murphy and fans will be hoping that is a partnership that can flourish as the season continues. It looks as though Gerrard made the right decision in handing him the captain’s armband as well.