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James Tavernier tells Rangers 4 things that must be perfect against Celtic if small derby differences are to their way

The Light Blues head to Parkhead fresh off the back of dumping Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce out of the Europa League

Rangers skipper James Tavernier speaking on Sky Sports
Rangers skipper James Tavernier speaking on Sky Sports

James Tavernier insists Rangers are going for the win at Celtic as he warned his troops they must be clinical.

The Light Blues skipper and his team-mates head across the city to face Brendan Rodgers' runaway league leaders fresh off the back of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.


Barry Ferguson and Co lost 2-0 on the night to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce that meant for extra-time and penalties with the tie poised at 3-3 after 120 minutes of action. But Jack Butland was the hero saving twice for the Ibrox men from 12-yards.


It means a clash with Athletic Bilbao in the last eight but Tavernier has put that to the back of his mind and insists they will focus on that showdown when the time comes but it is all about the Hoops and getting that win that the fans want.

Away fans will be back in the derby games and the Ibrox captain has assured the Rangers support that they will be ready for the challenge despite Thursday's efforts.

He's warned his side of the four areas they must be perfect in, in order to claim the bragging rights in Glasgow's east end. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Every game means a win. The fans want us to go there and get the win.

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"We want to do that as a team and as a club we need to go over there and try and get the three points. It is going to be different now because the fans are back.

"We've got to soak up the atmosphere, be really brave on the ball when we get it, be resilient and be clinical. These games come down to small differences and we've got to be clinical in both boxes.

"We've got a really fit squad. We've done this in the past. Nothing changes.


"We are used to playing three games a week. It's a case of maximising our recovery, getting enough sleep and food in us. We will do a small session before the game and we will be ready."

Rangers No1 Jack Butland was the penalty hero
Rangers No1 Jack Butland was the penalty hero

Celtic hold a 16 point advantage over Rangers at the summit and are on course for a domestic Treble. They've bagged the Premier Sports Cup already and are in the last four of the Scottish Cup with St Johnstone next in line at Hampden.


The Light Blues' European dream lives on after dumping Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Tavernier reserved special praise for hero Jack Butland for his heroics under the lights.

He said: "Jack was the hero for the team. He made some big saves and two saves in the penalty shootout, which puts you in a good position.

"I am really proud of the boys. The character they showed last night - I didn't really want it to go to extra-time but it did - but we showed resilience, even though we did concede two goals we still limited the chances and seen it out in the end.

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"It's going to be a tough challenge [Bilbao]. We will do our homework when that game comes and prepare for it."

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James TavernierRangers FCCeltic FCScottish PremiershipBrendan RodgersBarry FergusonEuropa LeagueJose Mourinho
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