A few weeks ago Steven Gerrard confirmed that James Tavernier was set to miss a few weeks of football because of an illness. The news came as a huge blow to Rangers fans who have relied on their captain heavily this season. In 19 Scottish Premiership games, he has scored three goals and recorded seven assists.
In his absence, Gerrard opted to start Jon Flanagan but subbed the player off at half-time for Matt Polster after receiving a yellow card earlier in the game (Whoscored). Fans were unimpressed with Flanagan’s performance but praised Matt Polster for his influence on the match. There are many supporters who are confident that Polster should start in Tavernier’s absence. They think he is head and shoulders above Flanagan.
https://twitter.com/ShotaDiscoShoes/status/1221469724300730368
What a poor show from rangers gerrard should of subbed kamara at half-time too slow and gives ball away not enough dig i take 8m right now for him we need a right winger and another striker polster looks better than flanagan
— Rangers Bears (@BearsRangers) January 26, 2020
First time I’ve really seen Matt Polster in action…He offers a gargantuan amount more than Jon Flanagan
— Derek Clark (@derekclarksport) January 26, 2020
Terrible performance today. Shows how badly we need Tav in the team and highlights the need for a 3rd striker in before the window closes!! In saying that was impressed again with Polster. Tidy player who I would definitely be keeping
— Alan Duck (@alanduck1872) January 26, 2020
Polster was better than flano
— Ross McDiarmid (@mcdiarmid_ross) January 26, 2020
Mate, that’s the last 2 games he’s played and he’s picked up 2 bookings. Gerrard even admitted it in his post match interview that’s why he took him off. I thought Polster did more going forward for us 2nd half. Still a long way to go and the league isn’t over.
— Graeme McIntosh (@mcintosh_graeme) January 26, 2020
Should Matt Polster start until Tavernier is back?
Yes
No
A few fans think he should be given an opportunity to prove himself from kickoff against Ross County this week.
Polster was good. I just think it’s how poor Flanagan actually is, should never play a game again of we have Patterson and Polster fit without Tav. Of course Tav still being the number 1 choice
— Steely (@OhItsSteely) January 26, 2020
If Polster doesn’t start on Wednesday I’ll be shocked
— baillie (@BaiIIiemcc) January 26, 2020
I was critical of Polster coming on but offers more than Flanagan. Should he start games until Tav is fit
— Cheryl (@gers_chezza) January 26, 2020
What do we think?
If Polster does play on Wednesday again, it will be a huge opportunity for him to lock down a starting position with Tavernier out of the lineup. He’s only managed to feature in five games this season, so he needs to take his chance, should it come his way.
Who knows, if he does well enough he could keep Tavernier out of the lineup, even when the captain is fully fit?