James Tavernier is a Rangers legend who arrived at the Ibrox club ten years ago whilst they were in the Scottish Championship and has carried the team for years. This season, he’s doing the exact same again as he’s their top goal scorer with six goals, and four assists. As he comes into the final year of his contract, it’s only right that he gets offered a new deal.

It’s been a long journey for the Rangers captain with many ups and downs, but one thing is for sure is Tavernier has always given his all.

The stats Tavernier has are nothing short of remarkable and is currently Britain’s highest scoring defender with a staggering 144 goals.

The 34-year-old is a polarising figure amongst the Rangers faithful as many criticise him for not winning enough trophies, where as many others acknowledge the fact he’s worked with some poor players and managers.

It’s not the right-back’s fault the Gers have only won three major trophies in ten years – there’s only so much one man can do and he’s bailed the club out time and time again.

Tavernier was instrumental in the Light Blues’ iconic run to the Europa League final in 2022 as he finished top goal scorer in the competition with seven goals and helped deliver the club’s first league title in ten years.

The Bradford born full-back is showing zero signs of slowing down as he’s been the Govan club’s best outfield player so far this season.

He’s always fit, rarely injured, and is still hugely important to the team. At the start of the season, former boss Russell Martin dropped him and it was evident how much the team struggled without his presence.

Rangers legend Barry Ferguson worked with Tavernier when he was interim charge last season and is baffled at why the skipper is always up for debate. He said on the Five Stars Podcast: “He’s always up for debate. I don’t understand why, I’ll be brutally honest. Maybe it’s labelled at him that he’s not won enough trophies as captain but I’ll tell you what, see as a player he gives you everything.

“He’s got real good quality. Looks after himself, always available, doesn’t buckle under pressure and look at the start of the season it must’ve been hard for him because he was out of the team but you never heard a moan and groan from him.

“I know what he would’ve done. He would’ve kept his head down and went and worked as hard as possible on the training ground and we seen how much we missed him.

“He’s a real driving force and I’m delighted for him.”

The Rangers Hall of Famer is set for his testimonial this season and with his Ibrox future uncertain – it’s only fitting that he gets a contract extension.

Of course age catches up with everyone, but Tavernier is a freak of an athlete who still has plenty to offer the team.

After Rangers won the League Cup two years, thanks to Tavernier’s winner against Aberdeen, Connor Goldson famously said “This football club won’t appreciate James Tavernier until James Tavernier is not here.”

It’s a statement that is true because the fans won’t realise and appreciate the contributions of the captain until he’s no longer at the club.

Some of the abuse that Tavernier’s endured has been nothing short of a disgrace but it doesn’t phase or affect him. He is without doubt one of the most mentally strong players in the game.

Tavernier is playing well under new head coach Danny Rohl and he most definitely deserves to extend his stay at Ibrox.