James Tavernier shows real Rangers 'balls' yet again as Connor Goldson warns exit will spark realisation

Connor Goldson has watched James Tavernier carry the can for so many of Rangers’ bitter disappointments, regardless of whether his mate was to blame or not.

But he’s also watched his skipper drag the Light Blues forward almost single-handedly at times. And for that, the defender insists the plaudits are definitely deserved. Fronting up and taking the flak from the fans is all part of the job when you are captain of Rangers. The trouble for Tavernier has been he’s had so much practice down the years the that Ibrox faithful had grown fed-up listening.

The same can’t be said for the gleeful online trolls from the other side of Glasgow who took great joy splicing up a video montage of the Englishman being trotted out to repeatedly express his “disappointment” after deflating defeats. The only footage being shared on social media this week, though, is the latest addition to Tavernier’s Hampden highlights reel.

His stunning strike in Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final win over Aberdeen means both he and Goldson have now completed the set with every major Scottish honour now ticked off. It’s been a long time coming but Goldson insists Gers have Tavernier to thank for dragging them there.

He said: “I’ve said many times, he won’t be appreciated until he leaves this club. Yes, he gets criticised, he’s the captain of the team and when the team doesn’t do well the weight of that falls on his shoulders.

“But at the same time he’s got real balls. He turns up every single game, big moments belong to him whether it’s free-kicks, penalties or goals from open play.

“He delivers for this football club, and for a right-back to do what he does - not just this season but year in year out - is amazing.”

Sunday’s triumph has enough significant given