Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has rowed back on comments he made about Rangers captain James Tavernier last season.

The BT Sport pundit once called the defender a “serial loser” but with the Light Blues close to securing title number 55, Sutton has admitted that he has been proven wrong about the fullback:

“Players such as captain James Tavernier have been outstanding. I got stick for calling him a serial loser last season. Let’s remember, he still hasn’t won anything of note yet. But that is going to change soon with the lifting of the No.1 prize on offer and he’ll be due every accolade that comes his way when he gets his hands on it. I kept saying the only way to prove yourself a winner is to win. And that’s what he’s doing. Criticise when due, praise when due.”

To be honest, Sutton spouts a lot of rubbish in his punditry, most of it designed to troll Gers supporters into reacting, but he is, at least, willing to offer praise to opponents when it is deserved.

In Tavernier’s case, he has had very little choice. As well as being part of a defence that has conceded just eight goals in 28 league games, the 29-year-old has scored a remarkable 17 goals and contributed 15 assists in 39 appearances.

The captain has shown his critics, including Sutton, what a fantastic player he is and you have to give huge credit to the Englishman for his contributions this season.