JAMES TAVERNIER earned an accolade that has only been handed down to the most successful and revered at Ibrox after being granted a place in the Hall of Fame.
Now he is determined to add to his medal collection and lead his side to further glories to enshrine his status as one of the finest Rangers servants of his generation.
Tavernier joined Allan McGregor and Steven Davis at New Edmiston House this week as he was inducted alongside some of the greatest names to ever pull on a blue jersey.
The new contract he signed at the start of the season will keep him at the club beyond his tenth anniversary and a testimonial - the first in more than two decades at Ibrox - is now within his sights in the coming seasons.
It is another medal that he is targeting first and foremost, however, as the captain seeks to guide Michael Beale's side to Viaplay Cup final glory against Celtic on Sunday.
“It was a real privilege to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, I’m truly honoured to have my name up there alongside the club’s greats," Tavernier said. “My mind has been blown by it all. It’s such an amazing achievement.
“I’m in my eighth season now, so it’s been a long time with the club. It’s been a rollercoaster ride but to get that recognition is unbelievable.
“You never look too far ahead because in football there’s a lot of moving parts, you don’t know what will happen next. But I’ve always been so comfortable here and had that licence to enjoy my football. The seasons now just keep ticking away.
"Glasgow feels like home now. I love the city, so do the wife and the kids. We’re really happy up here and when everyone is happy at home it makes football so much easier.
“I certainly felt a little bit older standing beside Greegsy and Davo getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. But I’ve still got so many years left to play.
“To get that recognition now, though, was an amazing feeling. Davo and Greegsy fully deserve to be indicted into the Hall of Fame too. They’ve been great servants to the club and great professionals."
Victory at Hampden would see Tavernier and many of his team-mates complete the set of domestic medals and give them another surge in momentum as they also seek to retain the Scottish Cup this term.
That achievement was the first time in 13 years that Rangers had lifted the trophy and it was Tavernier that had the honour of holding aloft the Premiership when Rangers earned title 55 after a decade-long wait.
Those successes will forever be savoured at Ibrox. The hunger to enjoy further triumphs is as strong today as it always has been for the captain.
Tavernier said: “Yeah [I am motivated for more silverware] but it’s been like that since day one. Ever since I was a young kid with my boys club I’ve wanted to win tournaments and every single game.
“Every footballer wants to win trophies and obviously I’m honoured and privileged to be captain of such a great club with the history we’ve got, so that’s our aim - and my aim. To try to win more trophies.
“We ticked the box by winning the Scottish Cup last season but the League Cup is one not many in the squad have won. Only a select few. So we want to bring the trophy back to Ibrox.
“I take pride in anything that we win or any achievement we have. OK, we didn’t win the Europa League final but it was still an unbelievable achievement for the guys and the club.
“You look back down the years and we obviously wish we’d won more silverware. There’s been plenty of opportunities but some are regrettable.
“But you have to look forward to the things you can impact and obviously this weekend is one of those."
