James Tavernier IS the man to lead Rangers as Philippe Clement breaks his own rule for Hearts opener

Philippe Clement doesn’t do team news ahead of a weekend fixture – but broke his own rule to make it clear James Tavernier will lead his Rangers side out for the season opener against Hearts on Saturday lunchtime.

The Belgian, who has committed himself to Ibrox for the next four years with a contract extension, is social media savvy enough to know despite Tavernier’s astonishing goal and assist ratio, there is a sizeable portion of the support who feel the captain’s time is up and he should move on.

And while it might still happen if the club were to receive an offer impossible to turn down, Clement is in no doubt of the importance Tavernier – starting his 10th season at Ibrox – carries in his quest to carry a title fight to Celtic this term. Having worn the armband himself in a long, successful playing career, Clement knows it can be a burden as well as an honour. But he has watched Tavernier handle the flak and has no doubt he is the man to lead Gers into the new campaign.

He said: “As a captain of Rangers, it (criticism) is part of the job and I have been there and done that in other clubs. Comparable also with Club Brugge, with a passionate fanbase and high expectations that you need to win everything.

“You know in the moments you don’t win everything everyone looks at the captain. That is part of the job. He fits that role well because he can manage that. I have seen in the past a lot of people break in that situation also.”

Tavernier’s form tailed off at the end of last season but Clement said: “He had one disadvantage last season that he played all the games and that is also my responsibility.

“Because of that I think in moments he was not as fresh as he should be and that is something we want to change for this