The secret to James Tavernier's Rangers relentlessness as marathon man blessed with 'unusual' gift

Whether wearing his Rangers right-back hat or casting his expert eye as a physiotherapist, Gary Stevens arrives at the same verdict on James Tavernier.

The captain fantastic who has led Gers to a Europa League Final is one of the freaks of football.

Stevo was a powerhouse Rangers full-back three decades ago, winning six titles under Graeme Souness and Walter Smith.

Richard Gough said recently Stevens was the only player he ever recalled having an ‘engine’ like Tav, who barely misses a minute of action while covering lung-bursting distances week in, week out.

His former skipper’s words were taken as “a fantastic and significant compliment” by Stevens.

Now working in Western Australia in physiotherapy, the 59-year-old is thrilled to see Tavernier’s displays taking the art to a different level altogether.

Stevens said: “My biggest strength was getting up and down until the 90th or 120th minute, whatever’s required. Tav’s like that.

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“I had the engine to do it, albeit strictly in a 4-4-2 when I started playing.

“Technically, I could’ve been better. Primarily I defended and helped towards clean sheets but I joined in when I could.

“As a physio, there’s a physiological answer to what Tav does. We’ve