James Tavernier has made it clear to Sky Sports News that he is keeping all options open when it comes to a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the end of the campaign, stressed that his immediate priority is helping the club secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015.
Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches left on the schedule. In that context, Tavernier said he is taking each day as it comes.
When asked about his future, he replied, "My wife asked me about a holiday, and I told her that's too far ahead for me to think about right now. I don’t plan two weeks ahead; I focus on this week – my training, the kids' routines and the matches we have in front of us." He added that his personal life is hectic and that any decision about a new deal will be communicated later, when the appropriate time arrives. "I’ve been at Rangers for a long time, and I’ll never shut the door on staying," he said. "But I have to wait and see what happens." The defender has featured in 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this season, as head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad in an effort to keep the team fresh for the title run‑in.
Tavernier expressed frustration at not starting every match, insisting his fitness remains high. "If I’m asked to sit on the bench, I’ll support the lads, give my input and just be myself. When I’m on the pitch, I give everything for the club," he explained. Rangers endured a difficult opening to the season, managing only a single league win before the dismissal of Russell Martin in October.
When Röhl took over, the side were languishing in sixth place, a full 13 points adrift of the leaders. Since then, the club has surged back into contention, with Opta’s predictive model now listing them as the favourites to lift the trophy.
Tavernier highlighted the collective mindset that has driven the resurgence. "It’s in our hands. We simply have to keep winning every game until the final whistle of the season," he said. "From day one we treat each match as if it were a cup final – the intensity, the focus, the preparation – it’s the same every time." He praised the squad’s belief, pointing to the recent string of positive results and performances.
"The team has given the manager a headache with all the selection options, which is a good problem to have. We’re in a great position, but we must stay humble, stay driven, and keep pushing each other. The maximum effort in training translates into maximum effort on the pitch." Beyond the on‑field issues, Tavernier touched on his role as a senior figure in the dressing room. He said he tries to lead by example, both in training intensity and in maintaining a professional attitude.
"The younger players look up to us, and it’s important that we set the standards they can emulate," he noted. "When the pressure mounts, we rely on the camaraderie we’ve built over the years." The captain also addressed the broader context of Rangers’ title chase.
With Hearts holding a slender lead and Celtic still within touching distance, every point is crucial. "We know the margin for error is tiny. A single slip could hand the advantage back to Hearts or Celtic, so we have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes and beyond," he said. In terms of his personal ambitions, Tavernier said the prospect of adding another league medal to his collection is a major motivator.
"Winning the Premiership again would be special, not just for me but for the fans who have stood by us through thick and thin," he remarked. "I want to give the supporters something to celebrate at the end of the season." When the conversation turned to his family life, he reiterated that his schedule is packed, balancing training, matches, and his children’s activities.
"My wife and kids are my anchor. They keep me grounded and remind me why I work so hard. That’s why I can’t think too far ahead; I need to enjoy the moments as they happen," he said. Looking ahead, Tavernier remains optimistic about the final stretch.
"We have the talent, the depth, and the belief. If we keep applying ourselves in training and stay disciplined in games, the title is within reach. It’s a collective effort, and I’m proud to be part of it," he concluded.
The club’s supporters can look forward to an intense finale, with Rangers aiming to turn their recent momentum into a championship triumph while Tavernier keeps his options open for a possible new contract, ensuring his future remains intertwined with the fortunes of the Glasgow side.