James Tavernier insists he was proud of Ridvan Yilmaz for being 'man enough' to take a penalty in Rangers' Scottish League Cup final loss to Celtic.
The Turkish defender was the only player to miss from the spot at the national stadium after the Old Firm produced a stunning 3-3 draw in regulation time.
A further 30 minutes provided no more goals, and so the showpiece event had to be settled by penalties.
Kasper Schmeichel saved from Yilmaz down low to his left.
🎙️ James Tavernier spoke to @RangersTV after today’s match. pic.twitter.com/GkN43NAWg5
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 15, 2024
Reo Hatate scored Celtic's fourth, before Jack Butland surprisingly stepped up to slam home Rangers' fifth.
Daizen Maeda sent Butland the wrong way for Celtic's last penalty though, and so it was Brendan Rodgers' men who claimed the trophy.
"We put ourselves in a good position in the first half," Tavernier told Rangers TV. "Going into half time 1-0 up, the message was to keep doing what you're doing and try to get them on the transition while locking up shop at the back.
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"Obviously, we're disappointed with their goals and the manner that we conceded them.
"The team kept on fighting and we got ourselves back into the game.
"Penalties is one of those where it can either go your or it doesn't, and it didn't go our way.
"I'm obviously proud of him [Ridvan Yilmaz] to step up and be man enough to take a penalty.
"It happens. It happens to a lot of footballers, so we're all right behind him.
"We're talking to him and he's just got to forget about this and carry on."
He added: "There's obviously pride but when you're not picking up the trophy, it's hard to say that. You know, it's small margins in the game.
"I think we had a four vs one chance in the second half. In big games like this, you've got to be clinical and that's what we emphasise. They're the chances you've got to take."
