Danny Rohl details events behind James Tavernier’s withdrawal from Rangers squad
Danny Rohl explained why outgoing captain James Tavernier withdrew himself from the Rangers squad ahead of their 2-1 defeat by Hibernian.
The 34-year-old right-back pulled out after being named on the bench for what was to be his last game at Ibrox after 11 years at the club – then emerged from the tunnel before the game to be presented with a commemorative shield by former Gers skipper and manager John Greig.
The Light Blues then proceeded to lose their fourth successive post-split fixture to a late strike from Hibs substitute Dane Scarlett, after Thelo Aasgaard’s free-kick had cancelled out an early opener from Martin Boyle.
It was the first time since 1985 that Rangers, consigned to third place in the William Hill Premiership this season, have lost four in a row and Rohl was asked about Tavernier’s unusual evening.
He said: “With Tav, to bring a little bit of context, it was strange today for me. I didn’t expect this.
“On Monday I got a call from the medical department saying that Tav is not available for Wednesday, he needs an injection on Tuesday.
“Because I thought this is maybe his last chance to play at home, I gave him a call and I convinced him that he can move this injection to maybe later.
“He said OK, he will be available for today. Yesterday we were in contact.
“My job is to make decisions, who starts. I made my decision, I was very transparent with him. I thought and I wished him that he gets some minutes.
“You can think about start or not start, this is my decision, because this is why I’m the manager.
“Finally, he didn’t accept that he will not start and then he stayed away from the team. And this is the story.
“I was really looking forward to give him minutes today, because he deserved this after 11 years here, to be on the pitch, final whistle. For me, it was about setting up the team.”
On another damaging defeat, Rohl said: “Today it showed me that we need a strong squad, strong changes to move forward.
“We cannot accept what we saw in the last four games. And our job, especially with me in lead, is to respond to all these things. I will not accept this in the future and I’m very clear what we should do.”
Victory for Hibs and a late Celtic win at Motherwell left David Gray’s side one point behind the fourth-placed Steelmen, who they meet in the final game of the season at Easter Road on Sunday with a European place up for grabs.
Gray said: “At this stage of the season, I can look at performances and there will be things to go over.
“But before the game, we spoke about it being all about us and the only scenario for us to take it to last day was to win.
“We knew that, and I’m delighted for the players because of what they put in and it sets up nicely for the weekend coming.”