James Tavernier in heartfelt Rangers thank you as penalty record goes beyond him

Jubliant James Tavernier has heaped praise on his Rangers team-mates for winning the penalties which have him rising up the ranks as the most lethal defender in football history.

The Ibrox skipper was beaming as he was presented with the Sam English Bowl for the men's top goalscorer at the club's glitzy player of the year awards in Glasgow. Tavernier has netted 24 times this season across all competitions with 15 of those strikes coming from the penalty spot. The 32-year-old – currently four goals clear of Cyriel Dessers – was quick to praise his Rangers pals for earning fouls inside the box for him to capitalise on.

And now the ambitious Rangers hall of famer – linked with a money-spinning reunion with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia – wants to rise from sixth to second on the all-time list for goalscoring defenders. Tavernier has 133 career goals and is 42 shy of Daniel Passarela who currently occupies second place. But Tavernier admits he faces a challenge to reel in Ronald Koeman's ridiculous record of 253 career goals.

Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: "Obviously, I enjoy scoring goals. I said on stage it comes down to my team-mates, winning penalties for us, with the deliveries. It comes down to that. It's always nice to contribute to the team and score that many goals. This is the most I have scored in a season. My benchmark goal against Hibs, being the all-time British record for a defender.

"I always want to improve, I always want to better myself and try to beat my own targets. It's a big target to do, next season, but I will always try my best. There's time for more , definitely time for more. I need to try to make sure my gaps are a bit bigger in the team. As long as we are winning games, that's the main thing."

World Records Rangers FC Scottish Premiership Cyriel Dessers Steven Gerrard Philippe Clement

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

James Tavernier the Rangers target St Mirren can exploitThe Buddles left back reckons Stephen Robinson's mean can get some joy down the right against Rangers.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

Jordan Henderson lesson for Rangers captain James Tavernier amid Saudi interestThe Ibrox captain and teammate Connor Goldson are on the radar of Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

Rangers price tag for James Tavernier to Saudi as ally names what skipper wantsThe right-back is on Steven Gerrard's radar this summer as he looks to take the skipper to Al-Ettifaq.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

James Tavernier will only leave Rangers for Saudi Arabia under one conditionThe Light Blues captain has once again been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, where he could be reunited with his old manager Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

James Tavernier offer 'prepared' by Rangers ally Steven GerrardThe Ibrox captain has grabbed the headline in the Middle East amid links with Al-Ettifaq.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

James Tavernier 'serial loser' Rangers fan rant sees that programme note dug outThe skipper has been subject to criticism from fans in the wake of defeat to Ross County and the draw with Dundee.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »