THE STATS for James Tavernier are already hugely impressive.
But he’s far from satisfied — in fact, he’s greedy for much better.
James Tavernier celebrates opening the scoring at Dundee United[/caption]
Borna Barisic has been another central figure at Ibrox[/caption]
Even if the season ended now for the Rangers full-back the numbers would be magnificent.
It’s now 17 goals from only 27 games. He’s also got 13 assists, and for a very competitive defender, just the one booking.
But skipper Tavernier — back in the side after being rested for the Europa League win in Poland — is aiming for plenty more goals and assists for others to find the net.
The Premiership’s top scorer is convinced he’s capable of approaching 30 goals for the campaign, with St Mirren up next on Wednesday night in the Betfred Cup last eight.
After another superb display in the 2-1 win over Dundee United, Tav also revealed he tries to style his attacking brand of wing-back play on Brazilian legends like Marcelo and Dani Alves.
On his free-kick and goals target, Tavernier said: “My record for a season was 17, and I have equalled that now. I spoke to my brother Marcus the other night and said we’d go every five goals, so I’ll try to reach 20 now.
“Then I’ll look to 25, but getting the three points was the main thing.
“And Connor Goldson got on the end of my cross for the winner, so I’m happy. Every game is crucial for us — now we look to Wednesday night.
Tavernier assisted Goldson for the winner on the weekend[/caption]
Brazilian duo Marcelo and Dani Alves[/caption]
“I really enjoyed the free-kick, especially with the distance out it was. I practiced free-kicks with Tom Culshaw yesterday.
“I’ve always said I am happy to contribute to the game and help the boys.
“I’m just delighted we came away with the three points again.
“You always believe in the technique you have. Myself, Borna Barisic and Ianis Hagi are mainly the free-kick takers.
“We all feel that we can get at the keeper.
“We are always trying to make ourselves better in every area when we are on the training pitch. I’m pushing Borna and he’s pushing me.
“Everyone wants to be taking free-kicks, and it is a good, healthy kind of competition.
“Borna had the second one today. We talk to each other, we don’t argue. He asked about the first one, but I said I’d got it. We have a great understanding with each other.
When I was growing up, Marcelo and Dani Alves, were playing, so it was something that I was always hoping to replicate.
James Tavernier
“Goals are something that will always be a bonus.
“The main objective is coming away with three points, secondly a clean sheet. We are devastated not to do that today.
“I could probably have done a bit better with their equaliser and moved my feet a bit better to stop the cross. We have to deal with it at the back post, although you cannot take away from the quality of the finish.
“I have always really liked to get forward. And I just love to assist my teammates and score goals, even in training I love to do that.
“I look to the likes of Marcelo and Dani Alves, they are very attacking Brazilian full-backs with a lot of flair.
“When I was growing up they were playing, so it was something that I was always hoping to replicate.
“But you have to make your own name and make your identity — and that’s what I am trying to do.
“I am just trying to get better every day and make the team better.”
Tavernier has banged in several goals already this year[/caption]
Meanwhile, Tavernier is adamant that 27-game unbeaten Rangers WON’T be easing off the throttle, as they continue their hugely impressive surge towards glory on all fronts at home and in Europe.
The Europa League last-32 draw pitched the Gers against Belgian side Antwerp.
Tavernier added: “It comes down to what I have always said.
“We started the season really well, and this is the strongest squad since I have been here. No matter who is selected, we can always perform strong.
“Everything is going in the right direction. We work extremely hard on our set-pieces and it is coming together very well.
“We just really have to keep this momentum going now. Today is right up there with the strongest wins we have had this season.
“We dominated the ball. United had a couple of chances in the first half, and obviously got their goal.
“But we have seen out the game and controlled it on a bad pitch. I’m delighted with it. We are a different team now.
“We have got more depth. You saw last Thursday night the gaffer made many changes, but everyone who comes into the starting 11 knows their role.
“We take pride in clean sheets, and we will get back to that again. We will take it game by game, treat every match like a cup final.
“After the strong finish to the European group stage we knew this was a huge game, and a tough test for us today.
“We cannot look too far ahead, no more than what the next fixture is. We just have to prepare right.
“We CANNOT take our foot off the gas. Last season we showed how easy it can be to drop points. We can’t afford that.
“Now we have plenty of experience in that area.
“We are pushing each other on so much, and mentally we are in a good place.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
