Admit the truth about Celtic before you stone James Tavernier over his Rangers medal collection

This is the last year of James Tavernier’s current contract after a 10-year stint in Glasgow.

Rangers’ James Tavernier lifts the Viaplay Cup

When James Tavernier walked into Ibrox for his first day as a Rangers player David Templeton didn’t know his true value.

But if this season proves to be the captain’s last at the club – the former winger says every Rangers fan will soon realise what he’s really worth.

Back in 2015 when Tavernier was signed for around £250,000 from Wigan, his team-mate Templeton could never have envisaged him staying for a decade.

But at 34, the full-back is still going strong and arguably remains Rangers’ best player.

This is the last year of Tavernier’s current contract after a 10-year stint in Glasgow.

And so far, there has been very little chat about the skipper potentially staying longer under new gaffer Danny Rohl.

Most people expect Tavernier to leave Ibrox next summer having led the club to their 55th title in 2021 and the Europa League Final a year later.

But Templeton, who played alongside him, believes it would be a mistake to let him go.

And he’s convinced the Rangers support won’t appreciate how good he really is until he’s gone.

Templeton says that unless they sign someone to replicate his output in terms of goals and assists – they should be keeping Tavernier at the club.

He told Record Sport: “In years to come, people will realise what Tav has given Rangers and how good he is.

“If he leaves next season and someone else comes in who might be a good right-back but doesn’t get those numbers – that’s when people will realise what they had.

“When he was out of the team recently, you see how much they missed him.

“He scores goals, creates big chances – and he’s probably still the most creative player in the Rangers team from right-back.

“His numbers have been ridiculous and he’s been an unbelievable signing for them, in terms of what he’s offered.

“I don’t think people will realise how good he is until he’s away – especially if they don’t replace him.

“Who’s going to bring those numbers in?

“This season, they’ve lost Cyriel Dessers, Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny without replacing those goals.

“If they lose Tav as well, who gets the goals they need?

“When I look at the Rangers squad just now, Tav is still one of the best players there at 34.

“In the summer they brought Max Aarons in. He was supposed to replace him but after a few games fans realised what was brought in wasn’t better than Tav.

“He’s come back into the team and it’s been better.

“If you’re going to bring someone in to take over from Tav, they have to be better than him.

“And that hasn’t happened yet.”

Templeton is adamant that Tavernier deserves a testimonial after giving 10 years of service to Rangers.

And he says any flak he’s had over the years has been unjustified.

Tavernier has only won three major trophies at Ibrox, with Celtic top dogs in Scottish football.

But Templeton claims that’s more to do with a lack of quality around him at Ibrox.

He said: “The criticism he’s had over the years has been so unfair.

“People say he hasn’t won enough – he should have won this or that.

“But that’s him as an individual. He can’t go and win everything on his own.

James Tavernier

“He needs a good team around him and – let’s be honest – too often he hasn’t had that.

“For a long period Celtic were dominating and had the better team.

“You can’t judge him on what he’s won because that’s about a team.

“I think Tav deserves a testimonial and if he does, the Rangers fans should turn out to show their appreciation.

“He’s had 10 years at the club and been captain for seven of them.

“He won the 55th title. Of course, fans would have wanted more trophies in that time but that can’t just be on Tav.

“He hasn’t had the squads around him to get the amount of silverware he’d have liked.

“But there’s no doubt he’s been a great servant.

“Look at his role in the run to the Europa League Final. He was top scorer in the competition from right-back.

“So based on stuff like that, he should get that recognition.”

Templeton couldn’t have predicted Tavernier’s impact at Rangers when ex-boss Mark Warburton signed him.

But given his professionalism and character – even when he first arrived – he’s not surprised that he’s still performing at such a high level.

The former Gers winger said: “When a player comes into a club, you never think they’ll be there as long as Tav has been at Rangers.

“Especially the English boys when they come up. You don’t expect them to stay for 10 years.

“You knew he was a good player right away. But you didn’t expect him to go and get the numbers he’s got.

“I’m not surprised that he’s played into his 30’s and still looks fit.

“Because even back in 2015, he always looked after himself. And he’s been different class for Rangers.

“He’s a top professional and everyone liked him – so I could see him as a captain.

“He’s always had the respect of a changing room. You don’t have to be a massive shouter to lead a team and be a captain.

“You can lead by example, like Tav has done with his goals and overall performances.

“You can bring people along with you when you’ve got that because they raise their own game off the back of it.”