Danny Rohl delivers verdict on 'emotional' James Tavernier statement as Rangers star makes transfer admission

Tavernier, who will leave Rangers upon the expiry of his contract next month after 11 years, was left out of the squad for Wednesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Hibs, with reports claiming he had walked out of Ibrox due to the decision, before he later returned to the pitch in a suit to receive a farewell award from club legend John Greig.

In the aftermath of the game, the 34-year-old defender took to social media to say he felt “deeply hurt and let down” by Rohl’s decision to start him against Hibs in what would have been his final match at Ibrox, citing “a lack of communication” as a reason for the breakdown in the pair’s relationship.

Ahead of the weekend’s game with Falkirk, Rohl said: “In general, I can share the emotional level in this situation. When we speak about the full picture, the last three weeks have been very emotional for us as a club, it's been a rollercoaster. Let's look back three weeks ago, it was a nice evening, a great atmosphere around the stadium, a lot of positive going into the split with a chance to win something.

“It is an emotional week, not just for us as a group, but also for Tav [James Tavernier]. All this time, there's a huge difference between emotional decisions and decisions with emotions, and I think this is my job as a manager to make decisions, of course with a lot of emotions but also to see what is best for the team and the club.

“Of course, I respect Tav in all of them, even in the last couple of weeks, we knew he was leaving the club and that he had made this decision. I will always respect him, we had a great communication. I was honest with him, and honest with him in the situation as well. The most important thing in football is winning games, and that's what we have to do tomorrow. James Tavernier, Nico Raskin and Ryan Naderi are not available for tomorrow's game. Bailey Rice is back in training but not available for the game.”

Meanwhile, Rangers loan star Mikey Moore has confirmed this weekend’s game will be his final one for the club, ending the club’s hopes of him returning on a similar deal in the summer. Named the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year earlier this month, the Tottenham Hotspur playmaker has been a major positive at Ibrox this season, quickly establishing himself as a key player under head coach Danny Rohl, scoring six goals and assisting a further three since the German’s appointment in October.

Many supporters have urged the club to extend his stay into a second season, and Rohl has previously hinted he will look to tie him down to a longer deal, if possible. However, the 18-year-old looks to have poured cold water on a return to Rangers next season in his pre-game press conference.

“It’s mixed emotions for the game tomorrow,” said Moore. “It is not the position we wanted to be in, but it is my last game. For me, I have so much love for everyone. I understand the way people feel, and I have tried to give my all for the club. This club has been a huge part of who I am going to become. I am a fan of this club for the rest of my life.

“The backing that this club has, there needs to be a few changes, but there is a base there to go and make a mark. Obviously, we need to win the league and Europe, but it is there. There is a new manager at Spurs at the moment. Obviously, I am a Spurs player, so I will go back and continue to work hard. I will miss the fans the most. I have never felt love as much as I have felt here. It is nice to get that recognition that I have here. It is the best support I have ever seen personally, and they deserve more.”

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