James Tavernier has played in Old Firms defined by dominance, desperation, and drama – on both sides.
What makes this one different is not the rivalry - it’s the context.
Rangers enter the derby not clinging to hope, but rebuilding belief, and the captain’s words offered a window into how that belief has been earned.
“We always want to be in that shout,” Tavernier said of the title race.
“Consistency is always the key in any season.”
Rangers climb back into contention has not been built on one-off performances, but on steady accumulation.
Setbacks have come, but they have not undone the progress.
“We’ve had setbacks,” Tavernier admitted, “but overall, we’ve been working really hard to put ourselves back in the shout.”
Crucially, he resisted any suggestion that external help is required to finish the job.
Asked about January reinforcements, his response was measured.
“That’s down to the gaffer and the people above him,” he said.
“With the team that we’ve got now, we’re showing signs that we’re getting better.”
The emphasis remained on internal growth rather than external solutions.
That growth, Tavernier believes, has accelerated under head coach Danny Rohl.
“We’ve had longer on the training pitch with the manager,” he said.
“The lads are really taking in what the manager wants.”
Time, clarity, and repetition have reshaped Rangers identity.
The adaptation has not been instant, but it has been visible - particularly to the man who wears the armband.
That evolution has also transformed Tavernier personally.
Reflecting on his anger earlier in the season, he was candid.
“That’s definitely changed since then,” he said.
“The boys have really stepped up and I’m much more happier than what I was previously.”
Frustration has given way to belief, not because expectations have lowered, but because standards are being met more consistently.
When discussion turned to the possibility that this could be his final season at the club and his final chance to win another Scottish Premiership title, Tavernier’s response cut through sentimentality.
“That’s my aim every single season,” he said.
“This is why you play for Rangers - to win titles.”
It was the most revealing line of the press conference.
No farewell tone. No legacy talk. Just purpose.
“For all that hard work, you want the benefits,” he added.
“We’re going to continue to keep working really hard and push ourselves until the last day.”
In a season where rivals have faltered and challengers have emerged, Tavernier sees opportunity - but only if standards remain non-negotiable.
“We can’t afford to drop standards,” he warned.