Rangers skipper James Tavernier has been going through a torrid spell at Ibrox.
He has made a poor start to the season by his own standards, and Philippe Clement has often left him out of the starting eleven in big games.
In the recent Europa League clash against Olympiacos, Tavernier didn’t come on as a substitute when Dujon Sterling was taken off, and that led many pundits to worry about whether the Gers legend has dropped too far down the pecking order.
It is clear that Tavernier is no longer the influential player he once was, and Keith Jackson recently wrote for the Daily Record that Clement should make a bold decision regarding the right-back and then stick with the plan.
Tavernier was linked with a move away from Ibrox in the summer, but he has stayed on. There is a fear developing that he might lose his captaincy.
What Barry Ferguson has said about Rangers captaincy situation
Barry Ferguson suggests that Clement has not disrespected the importance of the armband, and therefore, he has elected Jack Butland as the player to take the leadership role in Tavernier’s absence.
Butland has been one of the most consistent performers for Rangers since he joined from Crystal Palace, and he truly deserves the honour of leading the side when Tavernier is not playing in the starting eleven.
Ferguson has suggested that Connor Barron could be a future Rangers skipper if he continues to impress for the Glasgow club.
The popular pundit said: “Clement isn’t disrespecting the armband by handing it around to anyone who fancies having a go. On the contrary, he has selected Jack Butland as the man to step up if or when Tavernier isn’t in the starting XI.
“Butland has the personality and the intensity required to fill that mantle. I look at John Souttar as another who could fill the role if required. Maybe young Connor Barron could be a future Rangers captain if he continues to grow into the jersey.”
Barron has been brilliant for Rangers
The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Gers from Aberdeen in the summer window on a four-year deal for a fee set to be decided by a tribunal.
Barron has made a strong start to his career at Rangers, managing 18 appearances in all competitions.
He has forged a strong partnership in midfield alongside Nico Raskin and has really impressed. The Scottish midfielder has made 2.1 tackles, 2.0 clearances and 3.7 ball recoveries per game.
