Lifting title would be fitting Rangers ending for James Tavernier – Danny Rohl

Danny Rohl wants captain James Tavernier to end his time at Rangers with the “beautiful moment” of lifting the Premiership trophy.

The 34-year-old right-back announced on Wednesday that he will leave the Govan outfit this summer after 11 years at the club.

Since being signed from Wigan, Tavernier has scored 144 goals in 562 appearances and led the Light Blues to the Scottish title in 2021 and the Europa League final the following year, while he has also won the Scottish Cup and League Cup.

With five post-split fixtures remaining, Rangers are one point behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic as they prepare for the home game against fourth-placed Motherwell on Sunday.

Football

Rangers captain James Tavernier to leave club at end of season

The Englishman joined the Ibrox side in 2015 and has made over 560 appearances for the club.

And when asked about Tavernier at his pre-match media conference, Rohl said: “It’s a big one, big news for you, for us, for the club, for the fans, for all of them.

“Since I have been here he has been a good captain, he leads the group on and off the pitch.

“He’s a legend of the club and has made an amazing career here.

“He saw all the good moments. He’s also seen some not-so-good moments, and hopefully at the end of the season, he can see a beautiful moment again.

“For big players should have also have a big goodbye, and the biggest goodbye would be going with a title.”

Tavernier’s statement caught some by surprise, coming just two days after stating in media interviews that he was content to wait until the summer to decide on his future.

Asked if he would have liked to see Tavernier stay for another year if it was entirely up to him, the German coach said: “That’s not a topic for today. He made the final decision.

“We were very clear on our process. We said, if the time is right, we will speak about him.

“He gave me the information before it came out. It was very fair from him.

“He spoke to the group and I think the most important thing is now, you have 21 days to go.

“Five games, focus on these five games, and then you will have an incredible goodbye, what he deserves, and this is all that is important for me, for us, for the group, focus to what happens now.”

Rohl revealed left-back Tuur Rommens and striker Ryan Naderi will miss out again through injury but could be back for the final four games.