JAMES TAVERNIER has backed Fashion Sakala to go from strength to strength this season and continue to repay Michael Beale's faith in him at Ibrox.
The Zambian has become an important figure for Rangers following Beale's appointment as boss and is set to feature in the Viaplay Cup semi-final with Aberdeen on Sunday.
Sakala netted his fourth goal of the campaign, and third since Beale succeeded Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as Rangers beat Dundee United last weekend.
And he was an influential presence in the Old Firm draw with Celtic as he helped Rangers turn the game and come within minutes of a much-needed derby victory.
Sakala has made the most of his chances to impress under Beale and Tavernier believes a sustained run of outings has helped bring out the best in the striker this term.
Tavernier said: "I think a player like Fashion, as a striker, they long for consistency of games and that is what the gaffer has given him.
"He has come in, he has scored a lot of goals for us and as a striker you want that consistency of games and getting the flow of things.
"The manager has great belief in him and so do we as a team. If he is picked at the weekend, hopefully he can produce again.
"You could see snippets of what he was capable of. The Motherwell performance away stands out when he scored a hat-trick and you could see what he was capable of.
"He just lacked the consistency then but with the run of games now he is finding his form and he has been a real big asset for us.
"He is such a nice guy. Funny, always got a smile on his face and always laughing. He is a joy to have in the dressing room.
"Knowing his upbringing, he has come through a tough period of his life to get to this stage where he is now. He has got real grit and determination to strive and be successful.
"He showed in the second half of that game [against Celtic] the capability that he has and hopefully that can continue."
