Rangers star James Tavernier digging his own grave

If your name is James Tavernier and you set foot in Ibrox at the moment, you’re unlikely to get a very nice reception.The Rangers skipper took a barrage of criticism after the Light Blues’ defeat to Hearts last week but things haven’t got easier for him as the days have gone on.Tavernier’s mistake last weekend was hapless. It lacked defensive nous but most importantly for someone who is the main leader on the pitch, it was lazy and senseless.The right-back went to clear the play but got it completely wrong as the ball somehow ended up going backwards. The result? A goal for Oliver Bozanovic and a Scottish Cup exit. The 28-year-old was left to rue the consequences as fans essentially called for his head.His captaincy skills were called into question, as was his general mindset. The defender is a wizard when it comes to dead-ball scenarios but that isn’t what Rangers need right now.Their defence is being breached all too easily – Connor Goldson’s own individual error was the catalyst for defeat against lowly Hamilton in midweek too.Instead, Gerrard needs his players and especially his captain to stand up and be counted. That’s why comments from Tavernier in this week’s matchday programme were incredibly baffling. The remarks which were relayed in the Daily Record read:This was a great big slap in the face not only to the club’s manager but also to the Ibrox faithful. These comments helped absolutely nobody, yet here was Tavernier proving to be his very own walking PR disaster.After his error last week it feels like the right-back is digging his own grave at Rangers. This was baffling, especially after words muttered by Gerrard in recent weeks and months.The Gers’ mentality has come into question and this was the last thing the Liverpudlian needed, his own captain declaring in the public eye that they weren’t good enough to react to pressure.How will Rangers ever challenge for a league title if this is the mindset instilled in the playing staff?Speaking after the Hearts defeat, Gerrard said: “Me and my staff have given these players absolutely everything for 20 months and held their hand on and off the pitch and improved everything but it is tough when with every other performance you feel the way I feel. It’s tough.”For away day veterans only: Can you name all of these defunct stadiums?To make matters worse, it wasn’t Tavernier coming out and apologising after the shambolic defeat to Hamilton, it was Andy Halliday – a man who hadn’t even played. “On behalf of all the players, all we can do is offer our complete and sincere apologies,” he commented.After not performing last weekend the Light Blues’ skipper needed to get the fans on side. This was not a way of doing so.Meanwhile, Dave King’s comments almost a year ago are coming back to BITE Rangers…