A new rule has been installed at Ibrox

Continuing our analysis of Steven Gerrard’s post-match tribulations over James Tavernier, the manager has inadvertently admitted something which might not sit well with some Rangers fans:

James Tavernier, 100%, is undroppable.

The captain, absolutely, unequivocally, will always play if fit – end of.

Gerrard’s defence of the former Newcastle man revealed what most fans already knew, but hadn’t yet formally heard it from the horse’s mouth.

Regardless of how Tavernier is playing, he will always start, save for the occasional lower cup match.

For league business and meaningful tournaments, if fit, Tavernier is the first name on the team sheet.

Gerrard revealed that the only other option is Jon Flanagan for Tavernier’s slot, which of course suggests he doesn’t view Matt Polster as an alternative at all, and sees him now as a midfield selection it appears, but regardless, the captain is the only viable choice for RB in Gerrard’s eyes.

For those in doubt:

“[James] never hides, and I think he needs me and he needs his teammates at the moment. I don’t think there is a lot wrong and he will play through this and he will come back to his best which is top. We haven’t got many options to replace him – we have had injuries to Flanagan. I think James needs the crowd with him at this moment, and that will help him to play through this little barren spell he is having.”

Any other player in the side having a ‘little barren spell’ would be benched – with the notable exception of Connor Goldson who’s been having a ‘little barren spell’ since November 2018, but that’s another story for another day.

Tavernier is above the rules. He’s above reproach. And even when costing points and missing penalties, he now knows he’s completely immune to ever losing his place.

Steven Gerrard says so.