James Tavernier tells his Rangers critics 'lay it on' because NO ONE can be tougher on him than himself

He grew up on a council estate in Leeds, the son of an often outspoken single mother.

So it’s fair to say James Tavernier had grown thick skin long before he ever stepped foot in Glasgow’s hot house football environment. Nine years on, he’s still there, leading Rangers from the front and picking up all manner of personal accolades along the way in spite of being regularly reminded that he’s not captained the Ibrox club to anywhere near as many trophies as would be expected of him.

Yesterday, then, was just another one of those milestones, as Tavernier was named on PFA Scotland’s Player of the Year shortlist along with team-mate Jack Butland, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland. And all at a moment in time when some of his own supporters would happily see the back of him. For someone who comes under such ferocious fire so regularly, the 32-year-old continues to master the art of confounding those critics. And that’s very possibly because he considers himself as one of them.

Tavernier said: “I’m never happy. I’m always critical of myself. I remember when I was young, my mum was always critical of me and I’ve inherited that. I’ve always been critical of myself and looked to try to improve each season.

“This is a landmark season for myself with 24 goals which beats my previous record. But next season I want to get more, and I want to get more assists. I just want to improve myself on a personal level and continue to get better and better.

“I’m never happy to stand still or happy with where I am. I always want to better myself all the time. But there is no one who can say anything about me that’s more critical of how I criticise myself.

“I obviously listen to the people closest to me, but I know my