Steven Gerrard announces two massive changes for 56

Steven Gerrard has confirmed Nathan Patterson and James Tavernier WILL be lining up in the same XI this season after revealing neither of them can be benched.

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-2 workout with Arsenal, the manager stressed he was happy in parts with what he’d seen but it still needs work, and the duo will take time to gel.

But that WILL be the route forward:

“We’re going to consider it because they’re two really good players but it’s not going to happen at the click of a switch. It’s something we’re going to have to work on in training, we’ll have to get them used to it. They’re two fantastic players so I can’t have one of them on the bench for every game of the season that’s for sure.”

Gerrard went onto say it’s something that will apply for some matches and something he will experiment with but the solution is now official.

Rangers are not selling either player, and this also confirms a stunning realisation which could save Rangers a LOT of money – James Tavernier, as RW, means the club finally solves the long-standing RW issue by simply putting the captain in the attacking position.

Let’s face it, Tav is a natural attacker, and can help out in defence, but he’s at his most organic when flanking on the right and poking in crosses.

It must be said it was surreal seeing him on the right of the three but having to curb his defensive instincts, and that will take him a tonne of getting used to.

Nathan Patterson is too good to be benched. So is Tavernier. This means Rangers keep two of their best players and find a natural way to accommodate them.

Which is a good sign of progression.

Interesting times.