Former Rangers captain Terry Butcher believes the club made a mistake in releasing James Tavernier.
The right-back ended his 11-year stint at Ibrox after a disagreement with then-manager Danny Rohl, and a new contract was not offered.
Tavernier, who netted 144 goals in 565 appearances, was criticised as the club only secured one league title during his tenure.
However, Butcher is of the opinion that Tavernier could have been beneficial to Derek McInnes' squad. He said: "For a full-back, the number of goals he scored was just unbelievable.
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"He took the penalties, but for a defender, he got forward very well and was able to finish equally well. You need goals to stay up, you need goals to win titles, you need goals to win cups.
"Possibly there could have been a place for him in my team if I had been manager, and don’t forget the experience he has."
He acknowledged Tavernier's contribution to Rangers, despite not knowing him personally. Butcher further said: "I thought he had a great career at Rangers.
"I never met James, so I don’t know the ins and outs of him as a man, as a person. But he gave his all for Rangers on the pitch, and he scored some vital goals over the years.
"You need players like that who can create, who can finish, and someone who can keep a cool head at penalties."
