James Tavernier has made it clear to Sky Sports News that he is keeping his options open and will "never shut the door" on the possibility of a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the conclusion of this season, insists his immediate priority is to help the Glasgow side secure a second Scottish Premiership crown 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 remaining in the campaign. The tight title race means every point is vital, and Tavernier wants to concentrate on the task at hand rather than speculate about his future. "I'm taking it day by day," he told reporters when asked about his contract situation.
"My wife was asking me about the holiday, and I said that's too far ahead for me to think about. I'm not a person who really thinks two weeks ahead, down the line.
I'm really just trying to focus on just this week, my training, and obviously my kids' schedules. It's a hectic life I live, so that's something that will be communicated probably further down the line." He added that, although he has been with the club for a long time, he remains open to extending his stay: "It's obviously something that I've been here for a long time, and it's something that I'll never shut the door on. But I've obviously got to wait and see what happens." The defender has started only 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this season, as head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad and looked to other players to shoulder the burden of securing the title.
Tavernier expressed frustration at not featuring more regularly, but also emphasized his commitment to the team regardless of his role. "It's obviously frustrating, because I want to start every single game, and my body's not slowing up one bit," he said. "But if I'm asked to be on the sidelines, I'm going to support the boys no matter what, and put my input in the team, and just be myself.
All I can do is, when given the moment, or when I start, is give it my absolute best for the team." Rangers endured a rocky start to the season, winning only once in the league before manager Russell Martin was dismissed in October. Danny Röhl took over when the club were sixth in the table, a full 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts. Since his appointment, the team has surged back into contention, and Opta's predictive model now lists Rangers as favourites to lift the trophy. Tavernier believes the title is within reach if the squad maintains its current momentum.
"It's in our hands, and we only can constrain ourselves and our aim is obviously to win every single game until now to the end of the season," he asserted. "We always say every game is a cup final from the start of the season, which it is, but these games are the exact same.
We've got to approach it the exact same manner as we have been doing towards the end part of the season and getting the wins no matter what." He praised the collective belief that has grown over the past few months, noting the improvement in results and performances. "The belief is in the squad. I think you've seen it over the past couple of months, the results that we've put in, the performances that we've been putting in, and obviously we've been giving the gaffer a big headache on team selection, so we're in a great place. We've obviously got to stay humble and be really driven, which I know we are, but we've just got to keep on pushing each other and applying ourselves to the maximum from training and in games." Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier's comments reflect the broader challenges faced by seasoned professionals balancing personal life, career longevity, and the relentless demands of top‑flight football.
He highlighted the importance of family, mentioning his children's schedules and the need to plan holidays only when the season's pressures ease. This human element underscores why many players prefer short‑term focus over long‑term speculation.
The captain also hinted at the club's strategic direction. While he has not disclosed any concrete contract details, his willingness to keep negotiations open suggests Rangers are keen to retain their influential right‑back, who has been pivotal both defensively and offensively since his arrival. His leadership on the pitch, coupled with his experience in European competitions, makes him a valuable asset as the club aims to consolidate domestic success and push further in continental tournaments. As the season draws to a close, every fixture will be treated as a decisive encounter.
Rangers' upcoming matches will test their depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability under Röhl's guidance. Should they maintain their current form, the club could clinch the title, delivering a fitting reward for the patience and perseverance shown by players like Tavernier. Fans, meanwhile, are urged to stay tuned to the Scottish Premiership broadcasts on Sky Sports and streaming platforms such as NOW, ensuring they don't miss any of the drama that could decide the championship in the final weeks. The excitement surrounding the title race, combined with the personal narratives of key figures like Tavernier, promises a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable season.