Mark Warburton hails Rangers star James Tavernier as best ever signing and offers John Greig influence insight

He soaked up information like a sponge in chats with Ibrox icon John Greig.

That’s when Mark Warburton knew Rangers had a special character in James Tavernier.

And it fills him with pride now that one of his best ever signings is on his way to achieving legendary status of his own.

When Warburton brought Tavernier to Glasgow in 2015 for a paltry £200,000, he was convinced he was getting a top player.

But the former Gers boss couldn’t have envisaged his longevity - or the strength of feeling the full-back now has for the club.

Tavernier is in his seventh season at Ibrox and on Wednesday night he will lead Gio van Bronckhorst’s team into the lions’ den at Parkhead for his 23rd Old Firm derby.

He’s the only player from the Warburton era left, which is testament to the 30-year-old’s ability and mental toughness.

He’s endured serious low points at Rangers, as well as ultimate highs like getting his hands on last season’s 55th league title.

But Warburton believes the biggest success of all is the connection Tavernier now has with the club.

Even before he’d broken Greig’s goalscoring record for a full-back in a season, Tavernier would often be seen picking his brains after games.

Now, Warburton claims he’s on course for Hall of Fame status himself alongside Greig and other club heroes.

By the end of his current contract, Tavernier will have spent nine years at Rangers - one year short of a testimonial.

And as the defender prepares for another huge game against Celtic, his old gaffer says he’d be crazy to go and play football anywhere else.

Warburton told Mailsport : “Tav is one of the best signings I’ve ever made. We only paid 200 grand for him at the time but I knew the level he could perform at.

“His character, his