James Tavernier rejects Rangers critics who say he’s past it as captain points to numbers that REALLY matter

Age might just be a number but James Tavernier would rather look at the stats that show he’s as fit as ever.

At 33, the Rangers skipper is entering the twilight of his career. But he’s adamant the figures he’s producing on the pitch show his physical output remains at the same lofty levels he’d hit when he was at his peak. Performance-wise, it’s hard to make the same case for the right-back.

His form has dropped this season and he’s no-longer the ever-present figure he once was at Ibrox. Boss Philippe Clement has decided that giving the veteran defender some extra time off is the best way to keep him fresher for longer.

That theory was vindicated on Sunday as Tavernier - benched for last week’s clashes with Dundee United and Nice - returned reinvigorated to Clement’s line-up to play a leader’s role in the 1-0 win over St Johnstone.

The Ibrox captain might not agree with being left out but he’s determined to figure as much as possible. "I don't see the age being a problem,” said Tavernier, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Halloween. “Three months ago I think I missed one game.

"So nothing's really changed. OK, I've gone up one number in my age but I still feel fitter than ever and able to play every single game. So [sitting on the bench] is obviously different, unusual, but it's down to me to be really professional and keep working really hard, and try to be a leader behind the scenes at the training ground.

“I need to really push the boys on. Anyone who's asked to put on the shirt on the starting XI has got to perform. So, yeah, it's obviously different.

"I'm used to playing, three games a week, that's what I really love to do. It's what I've been used to for so many years.

"The stats and the numbers I put in are