Former Rangers right-back, Kirk Broadfoot, has sung praises for the Ibrox club’s current captain and right-back, James Tavernier, after Tavernier scored his 100th goal in an Old Firm derby last week.
The milestone, achieved in a 3-2 defeat to Celtic, was somewhat overshadowed by the ensuing controversy and police investigation into threats against referee Kevin Clancy.
Kirk Broadfoot, who himself played in the 2008 UEFA Cup final, marvels at Tavernier’s astonishing statistics, stating that scoring a century of goals from the right-back position is truly commendable.
He acknowledged Tavernier’s penalty-taking role but emphasized that the captain also contributes with world-class strikes.
The 38-year-old defender, now playing in the Lowland League with Broomhill, defended Tavernier against critics, asserting that the Rangers captain consistently delivers top-notch performances and leads by example.
He compared Tavernier’s role to that of previous captains David Weir and Barry Ferguson, noting the immense pressure that comes with the captaincy.
Despite Rangers’ defeat to Celtic, which left them 12 points adrift from their rivals, Broadfoot believes that manager Michael Beale is closing the gap on the competition. He pointed to the contentious disallowed Alfredo Morelos goal as evidence of how closely matched the two teams are.
Kirk Broadfoot optimistic about Rangers’ chances in Scottish Cup semi-final
Rangers will face Celtic again in the Scottish Cup semi-final this month, and Broadfoot is optimistic about the Light Blues’ chances of retaining the trophy.
He maintains that the club has made significant progress under Beale, and it’s now time for them to prove it against their fiercest rivals.
As the city of Glasgow remains divided over the disallowed Morelos goal, Kirk Broadfoot joins the chorus of those who believe the decision was unjust.
With the upcoming semi-final clash, the pressure is mounting on both sides, and Rangers will be keen to secure back-to-back Scottish Cup victories and deny Celtic a potential treble.
More from James Tavernier
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- Five talking points from Servette 1-1 Rangers as James Tavernier comes up trumps in Geneva
- James Tavernier – Captain Fantastic Or Is He?
- Alfredo Morelos steals the show in Rangers’ victory: A look at the Player Ratings
- James Tavernier Scores 100th Goal in Rangers’ Old Firm Defeat