As James Tavernier nears his testimonial year with Rangers, the club's captain is resolute in his belief that he still has a significant role to play.

With almost a decade of service under his belt, Tavernier's journey at Ibrox has been marked by leadership, dedication, and rollercoaster ride of highs and lows across several managerial tenures. Especially during recent times where he has been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism from the Ibrox support.

This season, speculation has continued to arose regarding Tavernier's future as a first-choice right-back. He was omitted from the starting line-up for matches against Dundee United and OGC Nice over the past week and many observers interpreted this as a sign that his time in the spotlight might be waning.

However, the 33-year-old silenced critics when he returned to action in the crucial win against St Johnstone on Sunday, stepping up at a time when the team needed his experience.

With Dujon Sterling sidelined due to a blocked nerve and Neraysho Kasanwirjo recovering from knee surgery, Tavernier seized the opportunity to showcase his enduring value.

In a tightly-contested match, Tavernier's involvement was instrumental in securing the 1-0 victory at McDiarmid Park. He applied pressure that led to former Rangers midfielder Jason Holt inadvertently scoring an own goal from an Ianis Hagi cross, highlighting Tavernier's ability to influence the game even when not directly on the scoresheet.

(Image: PA) Manager Philippe Clement acknowledged Tavernier's contributions after the match in Perth but also hinted at a strategic approach to player management.

He expressed confidence that the veteran defender would benefit from a more measured playing schedule, stating, "Is a player happy with that? Probably not, nobody is if they do not play, but that’s part of football." 

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Despite that, Tavernier, who joined the Scottish Premiership giants from Wigan Athletic in summer 2015 has disrupted that claims and insists he still wants to be a Rangers regular. 

"I don't see age being a problem," the Rangers right-back admitted. "Three months ago I think I'd missed one game. So nothing's really changed.

"Ok, I've gone up one number in my age, but I still feel fitter than ever to play every single game. So it's obviously different, unusual [to not start every game], but it's down to me to be really professional and keep working really hard, and try to be a leader behind the scenes at the training ground and really push the boys on and anyone who's asked to put on the shirt in the starting 11 has got to perform. Yeah, it's obviously different.

"I'm used to playing three games a week, that's what I really love to do. It's what I've been used to for so many years and the stats and the numbers I put in are still right up there. So, it's just about me continuing to work hard and when asked to play, deliver a performance.

"What I have done over the years is kept on asking questions, kept on striving to be better, to keep putting in the numbers. Obviously, I'm still trying to do that.

"I'm more hungry than ever. Every season that comes, I'm always hungry to outdo myself. So I'll always continue to push myself as much as possible to better myself."

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Tavernier would be due a testimonial next year, should he remain at the club, after providing a remarkable 10 years of service. 

He's played 482 times for Rangers and held the captaincy since then boss Steven Gerrard gave him the honour in July 2018.

"Obviously I need to complete this season then that's on the cards," he said.

"It's very unusual these days for testimonials and players being at clubs for so long. We will just have to wait and see."