Pundit Michael Stewart insists criticism of Rangers captain James Tavernier is "harsh" as he defended the Ibrox star.
The BBC pundit reckons Tavernier is a "genuine leader" and doesn't warrant criticism with the problems in the Rangers team "quite clearly elsewhere".
Tavernier scored a brace against St Mirren on Sunday in a 3-0 win for Steven Davis' side. Abdallah Sima was also on the scoresheet in Paisley.
And Stewart suggests Tavernier has "unquestionably" been one of the top performers for Rangers over time and has delivered more often than "many others" at Ibrox.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene, he said: "I don't know whether it's just familiarity and the fact that he's the captain, been there such a long period of time that he gets it in the neck.
"But certainly for me he is unquestionably one of their main performers. He's been there long enough that he knows what the expectations are.
"I don't see him failing to deliver as often as many others. I think he is a genuine leader.
"I think it's harsh on him, the criticism that's levelled at him. The lazy criticism is obviously that defensively is not his strong point.
"I think to a great extent over the years that has been, not eradicated but, limited and the strengths and the positives of the game have come to the fore much more.
"I don't think James Tavernier's the one they should be looking at when they're levelling criticism at the team. I think it's quite clearly elsewhere that's not coming up to the standards."
Supporters had unfurled a banner in Paisley which read: "Heartless. Passionless. Leaderless. Not fit to wear our colours".
And while Tavernier claimed he hadn't spotted the display from Rangers fans, he insisted he understands the fan frustration over the season to date.
He said: "I didn't see it to be fair. Obviously, the fans are frustrated and we can understand. It's up to us to wear the shirt with pride and to give them the results that they want.
"We never go out to lose a game but we know that our performances haven't been the greatest. But we've got full belief, we've got great characters in that dressing room and it's about us as men standing up to the badge and delivering.
"I'm always going to be questioned being the captain of the club with the responsibilities. I always try my hardest no matter what. I always try to fight for the team and the club and the players. I try to keep working hard and to lead by example."
