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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

James Tavernier delighted with Europa win, admits Rangers could have scored more

Rangers triumphed over Malmo in their UEFA Europa League opener this evening, marking the perfect start to the competition for Philippe Clement and his players.

A goal inside the first minute from Nedim Bajrami set Rangers on their way in Sweden, before substitute Ross McCausland fired home from range to make it two in the 76th minute.

Rangers captain James Tavernier was naturally delighted with the result, and was pleased to help his side keep a clean sheet and get three points on the board after Matchday One.

"Yeah, we obviously had the chances, first half and second half, but I'm delighted we came here and got a clean sheet," Tavernier told broadcaster TNT after the match. "We really dug deep to limit their chances, we knew they'd be strong on set-pieces and I thought we dealt with them really well. To get two goals away, a clean sheet and three points, that's a great start."


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The Rangers captain added: "We're continuing to work hard on the training pitch, we're getting stronger as a team and we've got a young squad. We're gelling, we want to keep putting in the performances and we want to keep getting stronger.

"I thought it was a great display from us. Our fans always require us to win games, no matter who it is. Obviously we see the fans coming over today, and with the fans watching at home, we want to put a performance in, and I felt we did that tonight."

Tavernier was then asked directly about transfer speculation in the summer, and his decision to stay press on at Rangers under Clement.

He added: "[Criticism is] part and parcel, I'm at the front, I'm the captain. When we're doing well, I'll take the good things as well. I'm a strong character, I can always continue with whatever comes my way.

"The fans obviously showed great support after it, and we as a team, we've just got to continue moving in the right direction and continue pushing forward."

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