Rangers captain James Tavernier praises young defenders, specifically Lewis Mayo

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Steven Gerrard’s Rangers pulled off an impressive win in the opening game of the pre-season Veolia Trophy yesterday. Rangers won 2-0 and Gerrard’s Ibrox troops had to do so with 10 men for much of the game after Ryan Kent’s petulant slap saw him sent off. 

But an own goal from Marcelo and a well-placed volley by Ianis Hagi ensured Rangers picked up an eye-catching win against French side Lyon. 

Gerrard also got the chance to blood plenty of Ibrox youngsters in the game, especially in defence. 

By the end of the match, Rangers lined up with a backline containing Calvin Bassey, Ross McCrorie, Nathan Patterson, and Lewis Mayo.

Seeing the youngsters taking their chance certainly impressed Rangers captain James Tavernier. Speaking to Rangers TV after the game, the Ibrox leader expressed just how happy he was to see the youngsters get their chance, reserving special praise for Mayo. 

“You want the boys to learn off us all and learn off the coaches and make a claim for themselves. It’s their career, they’ve got everything in their hands to be very good players. I’m delighted for them and the way they’ve conducted themselves. Nathan and Calvin, Rossco, he’s been on loan and he’s got his experience and I thought Mayo was actually terrific, he was solid at the back. Really happy with them.”

With Nikola Katic set to miss a huge chunk of the season with a knee injury Rangers might be short in the centre-back department.

It gives a player like Mayo the chance to stake a claim for his own place in the Rangers first-team squad. 

So far, Rangers fans and everyone at the club appear impressed by the talented defender and Tavernier’s quick assessment can only boost his confidence. 

Rangers might not need to dip into the transfer market after all.