James Tavernier, the long‑serving captain of Rangers, recently told Sky Sports News that he will "never shut the door" on the prospect of a fresh contract with the Glasgow club. The 34‑year‑old right‑back, whose current deal expires at the conclusion of this season, made it clear that his immediate priority is helping the team secure a second Scottish Premiership title since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015.

Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches left in the campaign. The title race is therefore extremely tight, and Tavernier’s focus remains squarely on the short‑term objectives rather than long‑term contract negotiations. When asked about his future, the veteran explained, "I'm taking it day by day.

My wife was asking me about the holiday, and I said that's too far ahead for me to think about." He went on to say that he does not like to plan more than a couple of weeks in advance. "I'm really just trying to focus on this week – my training, my kids' schedules and the games we have ahead. It's a hectic life, and the contract situation will probably be discussed later down the line." Tavernier added that, while he has been at Rangers for many years and would never rule out staying, he must "wait and see what happens". This measured stance reflects his desire to keep the team’s momentum going without the distraction of off‑field speculation.

Despite being a key figure, the defender has only started 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this season. New head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad, looking to other players to share the load as the club pushes for the title. Tavernier admitted the limited starts are frustrating.

"I want to start every single game, and my body isn’t slowing down one bit," he said. "If I'm asked to sit on the bench, I will support the lads, give my input and stay true to myself. When I do get the chance, I will give it everything for the team." Rangers endured a rocky start to the campaign, managing just one league win before the dismissal of former manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the side were sixth in the table, some 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts.

Since then, a dramatic turnaround has seen Rangers climb back into contention, with Opta’s statistical model now rating them as favourites to lift the trophy. Tavernier emphasized that the title is within the club’s grasp, but it will require relentless focus. "It’s in our hands.

We can only control ourselves, and our aim is to win every single game from now until the end of the season," he asserted. He reminded everyone that the club treats each match as if it were a cup final, a mentality that has helped them regain confidence.

He continued, "We have to approach each fixture the same way we have done in the latter part of the season – with determination and a winning mindset. The belief is in the squad. Over the past few months you’ve seen the results and performances we’ve delivered, and we’ve given the gaffer a real headache on team selection, which tells you we’re in a great place." The captain also stressed the importance of humility and drive.

"We must stay humble, stay driven, and keep pushing each other. We need to apply ourselves fully in training and on the pitch," he said.

This collective ethos, according to Tavernier, is what will see Rangers clinch the championship. While the contract talks remain pending, Tavernier’s comments suggest a pragmatic approach: focus on the present, keep the team united, and let the future unfold naturally.

With only a handful of games left, Rangers fans will be watching closely to see if the club can maintain its resurgence and lift the league trophy for the first time since 2021. The captain’s leadership, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in whatever outcome the final weeks bring.