Alious
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has offered a passionate defence of James Tavernier, arguing that the long-serving captain has become an unfair target for criticism due largely to Celtic’s sustained success in recent years.
Despite Tavernier lifting every major domestic honour with Rangers, Boyd insists the Hoops’ supremacy during his tenure has made the right-back an easy scapegoat whenever the Ibrox side fall short. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Boyd suggested the defender’s leadership and statistical output are often overlooked because of the trophy imbalance between the two Glasgow giants in recent seasons.
> “Because Celtic have been so dominant for such a long time, and Tavernier has worn the armband throughout, he’s naturally become the figure people point to when things go wrong,” Boyd said. “But if you look at his goal and assist numbers, they’re exceptional for a defender. He’s been a consistent performer, always present in training, always available on matchdays.”
Boyd noted that being captain at a club like Rangers inevitably brings scrutiny, especially when title wins don’t match expectations. But he praised Tavernier and fellow veteran Connor Goldson for their professionalism and durability, highlighting their reliability in difficult times.
New manager Russell Martin recently expressed his support for Tavernier, declaring him central to his plans for the future. Boyd echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need for experienced leaders during what will likely be a transitional period for the club.
> “You need big characters in the dressing room,” Boyd added. “Players like Tavernier who show up, who’ve delivered consistently, are exactly the kind of figures Russell Martin will need.”
Dessers Shouldn’t Be the Fall Guy Either, Says Boyd
Boyd also came to the defence of Cyriel Dessers, the striker who has drawn heavy criticism despite being Rangers’ top scorer last season. Amid speculation of a move to AEK Athens, Boyd suggested that fans often overlook players who put in the hard work week after week, instead romanticising those who are out injured or on the fringes.
> “People forget the goals Dessers scored last season. He’s not perfect, sure, he missed some chances. But he’s been there, consistently contributing,” Boyd said. “Meanwhile, others like Danilo, signed for £5.5 million, have barely featured. And yet, it’s Dessers who gets the flak.”
He added that Hamza Igamane, another forward option, has shown flashes of promise but lacks consistency, while Dessers has quietly delivered in the most demanding role on the pitch—leading the line under pressure.
> “If scoring goals is the hardest job in football, then why are we so quick to bash the guy who’s actually doing it?” Boyd asked. “There are bigger problems in this squad than Dessers. I’d definitely keep him.”
Boyd’s comments underscore a broader theme: that in times of underachievement, consistent performers are often the ones who bear the brunt, while others escape scrutiny. With a new era on the horizon at Ibrox, he believes maintaining experienced, proven players like Tavernier and Dessers will be key to Rangers mounting a more serious challenge next season.
Alious
