James Tavernier breaks silence on Rangers fan grilling as captain names perfect response to furious Ibrox critics

James Tavernier admits the Rangers squad have to shoulder the blame for Michael Beale’s sacking.

But the under-fire Ibrox skipper has vowed his side will be going all out to make amends in Cyprus as they seek to win over seething sections of the Ibrox support. Steven Davis has been placed in interim command and will take charge of the team for the first time as they face Europa League rivals Aris Limassol at the Alphamega Stadium. Chief executive James Bisgrove has remained behind in Scotland as he starts working his way through the list of leading candidates to replace Beale, with Frank Lampard, Kevin Muscat and Philippe Clement the early frontrunners.

AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen has distanced himself from reports he was keen on a move to Ibrox. But Record Sport understands Rangers will begin the interview process over the next 48 hours with Muscat among the hopefuls ready to make their pitch. But Tavernier is still hurting from the knowledge he and his team-mates did not do enough to keep Beale in his post.

He said: “As a team or a player you never want to see a manager go. Collectively we all feel responsible. We know that performances haven’t been there but ultimately it’s results that have cost us this season.

“We’re dropping points and it’s not been good enough. We’re all taking responsibility for that. The past few days have been challenging.

“But it’s been good seeing Steven get the opportunity to take the team. We all admire him so much as a player and a person. We all have great respect for him and I’m sure the lads will give him their utmost and everything that he requires, especially for [tonight].”

Tavernier had to run a gauntlet of furious fans following the defeat to Aberdeen on Saturday that