Rangers boss Michael Beale is considering a James Tavernier tactical switch in order to accommodate ex-Chelsea star Dujon Sterling.
The former Stamford Bridge talent – who played twice for the Chelsea top team – turned down an offer to stay at the Premier League side to join Rangers in the summer.
Having just spent the season on loan at Stoke City, the 23-year-old moved to Ibrox to play and it’s a dilemma which has Michael Beale revisiting the tactics board.
With club captain James Tavernier the player in front of Dujon Sterling at right-back, Michael Beale has toyed with the idea of playing three at the back.
But by his own admission Beale understands this will impact the attacking adventure of the side with another option to push James Tavernier forward a line.
It’s a shout which plenty in the Ibrox stands have made ever since James Tavernier joined the club in 2015, with plenty viewing the marauding wing-back as a would-be winger.
Couple this with James Tavernier now being 31-years-old and it’s a solution to the Dujon Sterling problem with the ex-Chelsea star now pushing Michael Beale to be more involved.
Dujon Sterling pushing James Tavernier further up the park
In the 4-0 League Cup victory over Livingston, Rangers fans got a glimpse of that tactical switch as James Tavernier moved forward and Dujon Sterling came in behind.
The two would then combine before James Tavernier set up Ryan Jack for the fourth and final goal and it potentially gave the Rangers support a glimpse of what’s to come.
“You saw when Dujon (Sterling) came on that with James (Tavernier) we’re looking at maybe at times going up a line,” said Michael Beale.
“(Tavernier) gets a good assist for Ryan(Jack).
When asked about the tactical switch later in the press conference, Michael Beale said: “I think (we can expect to see this more often) because Dujon (Sterling) is such an excellent player.
“It’s really hard to keep him out. Our captain plays right-back and has been excelling as well so we’re blessed in that position.
“Dujon (Sterling) can obviously go across to left-back but I feel we have two very, very good left-backs.
“Unless we want to change the system to a back three which at times, if you look at the names on a piece of paper, it looks less adventurous
“Then I think we need to look at an option sometimes of James (Tavernier) going up a line, certainly to allow him to get into crossing positions a little bit easier.
“It was lovely the way they combined for the goal.
James Tavernier has made 12 appearances for the club this season, scoring four goals and laying on two assists, whilst Dujon Sterling has been restricted to seven appearances
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