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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

James Tavernier blocking out social media haters as he responds to Rangers pressure

James Tavernier has revealed that he takes no notice of social media hate, but he is fully aware of the pressures involved in being Rangers captain.

The Ibrox skipper has received some stick from supporters in recent months with results failing to hit the heights expected when Michael Beale was in charge of the club.

Tavernier has once again been named captain by new manager Philippe Clement, and he is now fully focused on making sure the Belgian's reign as manager is a successful one.

Tavernier said: "I tend not to look at social media. I have got three kids so I am very busy at home. I have never really been affected by social media.

"Everyone has their comments and everyone is entitled to comments but it is down to me as a person to know where I am going wrong and how to improve myself.

"That is the way I have been brought up, always with a strong mind coming from my mum. Just keep moving forward. I never listen to the noise outside.

"I had a good chat with the gaffer and it is a two-way street between us and the fans. I have been here over the years and we have experienced great experiences in the stadium when the fans have been behind us and when the performances have been what the fans deserve.

"We always want the fans to back us no matter what the situation that we are in. We have to give them the performances that they are looking for. It is always a two-way street. I believe both of us together can be very strong.

"I think you have always got to prove yourself to the fans. It is a club rich in history of winning trophies. You always have to prove every season, every game, that you are the team that are going to be challenging. Every season is a challenge."

On the confidence in camp, Tavernier added: "I think all the group, it is something you can’t dwell on as a Rangers player. Even in general life you can’t dwell on something for so long.

"You have got to reflect on it and see where you can do better and as a group we want to push each other and make each other better. The best way of doing that is coming in every day and pushing each other and when it comes down to game day to try and get the three points and the performance that we want after putting the hard work in.

"Tomorrow it is about everyone who has been asked to play to go on the pitch and give everything that we want to give and that the fans want to see."

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