THE importance of a captain’s role can sometimes be underplayed, particularly by the man who holds the position. You will probably hear quotes trotted out over the course of the season about it only being an armband, and the hackneyed lines about having eleven captains on the pitch.

You probably won’t hear it from James Tavernier, though. It’s not that the new Rangers skipper sees himself as above his teammates in any way now, it’s simply that you won’t be able to convince him that being the man to wear the armband for Rangers isn’t one of the highest honours you can bestow upon a player.

The right-back is immensely proud, and somewhat surprised, to have been named the man entrusted with being Steven Gerrard’s lieutenant on the field of play for the coming season, and he fully intends to make not only his manager, but his family proud.

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“The gaffer called me into the office with Gary Mac,” Tavernier said. “We just had a chat. I did not have an inkling about what he was going to say, and it blew me away. I had a massive smile on my face. It’s something I will always remember.

“I spoke to my wife first and then my mum and she was delighted. She couldn’t believe it and was over the moon for us.

“It’s a proud moment to be leading Rangers into the new season. One of my ambitions when I first came here was to hopefully one day captain the club and the gaffer has given me that opportunity.

“He’s put his faith in me and I’m totally honoured.”

Despite the previous incumbent of the position still being at the club, though not likely to be involved much in the first-team picture for the foreseeable future at least, Tavernier says that any potential for awkwardness with Lee Wallace was soon put to bed by the man himself.

“I’ve always respected Lee Wallace and seen him as a leader in our camp and someone to go to - and I still do,”

“One of the first things I did was speak to Waldo and he gave me his blessing. He’s a great character and we’ve always been good friends.

“He was totally understanding and backed me all the way. There’s other leaders I can speak to, like the gaffer who was captain of Liverpool, so I’ve got lots of people around me if I need help.

“It’s exciting times taking this responsibility on. There’s always expectations with anything that comes with Rangers but there’s a lot of media attention with the gaffer and we’re more than ready to cope with everything that comes our way.”

The subject of standards at the club were addressed once again by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard on Sunday after the friendly win over Wigan, with him letting his players know in no uncertain terms that their application in the first half was well below the level expected of them.

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“We knew it was always going to come out at some point,” said Tavernier. “He’s always been a strong leader. We all know his history. He’s always said if we need a kick up the backside then we will get it. “That’s just the standards he sets -whether it’s a friendly or a league match, standards are always high, and we always want to win.”

What the raising of standards means to the supporters in tangible terms that they can see on the pitch, according to Tavernier, is in the level of character, hunger and desire shown by their side, as well as in the evaporation of the soft centre that cost Rangers so dear in the last campaign.

“I really like the squad this year – in all areas,” he said.

“We have had good signs so far – five clean sheets. I’m excited for the season.

“I think he’s improved the spine massively. The two centre-backs, the midfielders and a new striker have come in and we know we can score goals and have a good solid defence that can keep clean sheets.

“There are lads fighting for places all over the field and that can only improve the squad.

“Time will tell if we’re stronger, but I’d say so. It’s a long season but the squad is looking very strong.

“The boys have a winning mentality and we will go into every game wanting to win and these who aren’t in have the fight and hunger to make an impact.

“The quality and the hunger of our play has gone up since the manager came in.

“He expects us to do well.

“It’s an exciting start and starting the campaign with Aberdeen away gets it over and done with. We’re looking forward to it.”