The Dujon Sterling traits Rangers fans will love but former boss insists he's nothing like James Tavernier

Rangers fans reckon no-one is a match for free-scoring skipper James Tavernier. Which is just as well, because Stoke City boss Alex Neil says new right-back Dujon Sterling is his polar opposite.

The 23-year-old was one of gaffer Michael Beale’s first summer signings from Chelsea. And Sterling’s arrival will offer Tavernier stiff competition in that area of the pitch. But Neil has told supporters to expect a very different defender to the one they idolise right now.

He’s just had the Englishman on loan for a season at the Potters so knows his game inside out. And Neil rates Sterling as one of the best he’s ever worked with when it comes to defensive duels. While Tavernier has built up a reputation as a flying full-back who bombs forward in search of goals, Beale’s new recruit offers contrasting attributes. Neil believes few wingers in the SPFL will get past Sterling this season. That’s why he was desperate to keep him at Stoke before the former Chelsea kid decided on a move to Ibrox.

In an exclusive interview with Record Sport the Scot said: “We were desperate to keep Dujon here for next season if we had the chance. Financially, we couldn’t compete with Rangers but I’d have taken him all day long.

“Dujon will do really well in Scottish football. Athletically, he’s excellent in terms of his strength and his legs. Defensively, one against one, he’s as good as any player I’ve ever had. When he’s defending directly against someone, he’s terrific at it.

“He’s not similar to Tavernier at all. Obviously, Tavernier’s strength is going forward, getting goals and assists. But Dujon’s biggest asset is his one-on-one defending in terms of his pace and power.

“Very few players ever get beyond him. If you’re quick and powerful in