Rangers captain James Tavernier has said he will not take himself off penalties despite missing his third of the season against Livingston midweek:
“I’ll still be on penalties. I believe in my ability and I’ve had some stick off a couple of the lads but I’m more than confident of stepping up and taking the next penalty.”
“I took plenty of penalties last season. I missed maybe one or two last season, so I’m confident to come back and step up and deliver for the team.”
The 27-year-old has not scored this campaign and his miss from the spot on Wednesday night has led to calls from supporters for manager Steven Gerrard to take the responsibility away from him.
Many fans on Twitter believe Tavernier should agree to let someone else step up from 12 yards, with some suggesting Alfredo Morelos should get the job:
Morelos takes it or we riot
— Nathan Coghill (@coghill_nathan) 26 September 2019
As much as he’s a good penalty taker I wouldn’t have him near the next one he needs to pass it over to the next player which would be Morelos for me
— george spiers (@georgespiers86) 26 September 2019
Give Morelos the penalties
— Gersfan46 (@gersfan46) 26 September 2019
No way time to step aside for Morelos. DO THe RIGHT THING CAPTAIN
— Geo1872????️⚔️?️?? (@GeoWATP1872) 26 September 2019
— Paul Bennett (@1_paulbennett) 26 September 2019
Just give them to Alfredo and concentrate on being a right back! That means when we are under the cosh you should be tucked in just beside Goldson not dithering about in no mans land at the half way line not helping strikers or defenders!????
— david weir (@davieweir78) 26 September 2019
??♂️
— TS (@buffalo1986) 26 September 2019
Strikers are the goalscorers in the team. Still amazes me that tav gets penalties. Even the ones he scores arent convincing. Get morelos or defoe on them! Which ever one is on the park
— Gary Fulton (@gfulton72) 26 September 2019
After his penalty miss against Feyenoord, Gerrard said he would leave it up to Tavernier whether he wanted to be taken off penalty duties.
However, after his failure to convert in the League Cup quarter-final, he may have to take more decisive action. Luckily, none of the missed penalties so far have cost the Light Blues but they may not be so lucky if he fluffs his lines next time.