TAV A GO
Moment Rangers stars James Tavernier and Jack Butland clash in heated Hampden exchange
Rangers eventually secured passage to the final but it wasn't a good day individually for their captain
JAMES TAVERNIER is often the subject of the most attention during Rangers matches.
And the captain was under the spotlight again during today's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell.
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The right-back was hooked on 67 minutes, with Rangers still level with Motherwell at the time, before going on to win 2-1.
And Tavernier had sparked anger from Gers supporters in the stands with a first-half dispute with Jack Butland.
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The skipper and his vice-captain had it out with each other as their side trailed, drawing boos from the Rangers support.
Tavernier's frustration was only increased as Philippe Clement replaced him with Dujon Sterling with the score still 1-1.
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The Englishman was all smiles on the pitch after the victory, but Rangers fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to give their opinions on what his substitution means for his Rangers future.
One account posted: "The team that ended the game was much better than the starting one, that surely has to be it for Tavernier and Dessers as starters."
Another said: "Tavernier is finished, I love the guy and am thankful for everything he has done for the club, but all he's doing now is tarnishing all of his previous achievements.
"I don't know just what's going on with him, but he's barely even a shadow of his former self this season."
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A third commented: "That Tav substitution was a good few games late but finally he made it, that has to be it for him."
A fourth fan took the opportunity to praise the captain's replacement at right-back.
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They said: "Sterling is everything Tav isn't - physical, determined, aggressive, he has to start games from now on.
"Goals and assists have dried up for Tav, he no longer merits a start."
Premier Sports co-commentator Michael Stewart also had his say on Tavernier's withdrawal during the game, acknowledging his importance to Rangers but also commenting on the skipper's performance.
He said: "He's maybe not had his best game but he's still the captain and the leader of the team and that was probably the main reason why he was kept in the summer.
"Now it's 1-1 in a semi-final with 25 minutes to go and he's hooked."
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