Skipper has been a great servant to Rangers and deserves a testimonial

WHEN James Tavernier walked into Ibrox for his first day as a Rangers player David Templeton didn't know his true value.

- BY SCOTT McDERMOTT

But if this season proves to be the captain's last at the club, the former Ibrox winger says every Gers fan will soon realise what he’s really worth.

Back in 2015 when Tavernier was signed for around £250,000 from Wigan, teammate Templeton could never have envisaged him staying for a decade.

But at 34, the fullback is still going strong and arguably remains Rangers best player. This is the last year of Tavernier's current contract - and so far, there has been very little chat about the skipper potentially staying longer under new gaffer Danny Rohl.

Most people expect Tavernier to leave Ibrox next summer having led the club to their 55th title in 2021 and the Europa League Final a year later.

But Templeton believes it would be a mistake to let him go.

And he’s convinced the Rangers support won't appreciate how good he really is until he’s gone.

Templeton says that unless they sign someone to replicate his output in terms of goals and assists - they should be keeping Tavernier at the club.

He told Record Sport: “In years to come, people will realise what Tav has given Rangers and how good he is.