Rangers captain James Tavernier has broken his silence over speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Last week, it became apparent that Steven Gerrard will seek his club, Al-Ettifaq, to make a bid for the Gers right-back in the summer.
The club's highest-ever scoring defender is contracted for a further two years, alongside Connor Goldson, who has also been linked with a reunion with his former Ibrox manager.
But Tavernier isn't paying much attention to the tentative links at this stage, with his full focus on winning the Premiership title and Scottish Cup for Rangers.
🗣️ "It is always nice to have that speculation but it is only speculation. I'm contracted to Rangers and I'm fully committed to the job in hand."
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 29, 2024
James Tavernier discusses his season so far, the title race and speculation over his Rangers future ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4cidBhzcGm
He addressed the situation: "It's obviously unbelievable that you have the backing from the manager but I think the speculation has been going on for about a year now.
"It's football, there's always going to be speculation. To have the backing of my manager is really important, but I'm a Rangers player and I'm going to continue working hard for the team.
"You've got to try and push yourself and it's always nice to have that speculation but again, it's only speculation. I'm contracted to Rangers and I'm fully committed to the job in hand."
Tavernier was speaking after being nominated for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year award.
He spoke alongside teammate Jack Butland, Celtic star Matt O'Riley and the league's top goalscorer Lawrence Shankland, who were the other nominees.
READ MORE: Celtic, Rangers & Hearts players nominated for PFA Player of the Year
"Yeah, it's a huge honour from your fellow players that you play against week in, week out," the 32-year-old told Sky Sports. "To have that recognition is an amazing feeling.
"You always want to try to prove yourself every single season, so, I've been really working hard.
"It (Scotland) has given me the freedom to play football - something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid.
"Rangers gave me that foundation to play a game that I love and that's what it's done. I've enjoyed football throughout my years, and I always try to work on myself."
On the challenges this season has posed for Philippe Clement's side, he added: "Nothing is every smooth sailing. You can never count yourself out until it's mathematically impossible. We've got important games coming up, with the chance to compete for two trophies, so we'll be doing everything from now until the end of the season to fight for what we want.
"We know it's never over. There were always plenty of points to play for. When you're a kid, you always want to win trophies, and signing for a club like Rangers, you want to win trophies as it's got a rich history of that.
"That's what all the lads want to do and continue to work hard for the team, fans and each other.
"By winning every single game until the end of the season, that's what we can control."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel