James Tavernier showed he still has a part to play for Rangers as he returned to the starting line-up for Sunday’s win at St Mirren.

The long-serving full-back came into the side along with Tochi Chukwuani and Djeidi Gassama, with Dujon Sterling, Andreas Skov Olsen and Mohamed Diomande making way.

Tavernier was overlooked for the Old Firm showdown with Celtic last time out, but the 34-year-old now fully understands his positioning in the Gers’ hierarchy under Danny Rohl.

Rangers’ 1-0 win over St Mirren was relatively underwhelming, but there can be no complaints over Tavernier’s performance.

Ian Crocker amazed by James Tavernier appearance record

Tavernier has been at Ibrox for some 11 years now and will go down as one of the club’s all-time great players, even if he does have his doubters.

The Englishman made his 559th appearance in a Rangers shirt in the win at St Mirren Park, leaving him just four short of matching David Meiklej in fifth place on the Gers’ all-time record appearance makers.

Commentating on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match in Paisley, Ian Crocker mentioned that figure, to which Scott Arfield alongside him said: “559? Some stat.”

Crocker quickly responded with one word: “Extraordinary.”

Rangers’ fans will agree that one player making as many appearances as that, especially in this day and age, really is extraordinary.

And while Tavernier’s days as a regular starter may now be behind him, Rohl will be grateful that he can call upon his experience for games like this one at St Mirren.

The veteran defender’s future is in his own hands, you would imagine, although Rangers have been quiet on that front.

On the face of it, Rohl would surely love to have someone like Tavernier in his ranks as a back-up option.

Tavernier will also be thinking about life post-playing, and he may well have a future in coaching. That is something else the Gers would be silly not to tap into.

Ultimately, though, as Tavernier himself said last week, everything is up in the air right now. One way or another, a decision will have to be made over the next couple of months.

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