By Frank McAvennie

16th Apr, 2021 | 8:00am

McAvennie claims Celtic have 'found Rangers out' as he names player they will target

Steven Gerrard isn’t playing mind games and won’t risk James Tavernier in this weekend’s Scottish Cup clash between Rangers and Celtic. 

That’s according to former Celtic hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential return for Tavernier.

The Rangers captain has been out of action since mid-February after picking up a knock in the first leg of his side’s Europa League clash against Royal Antwerp.

After the Gers’ win against Hibs at the weekend, Gerrard said, “James has again had a good couple of days since we last spoke and he’s pushing hard to be involved at the weekend.” [Daily Record]

McAvennie claims Gerrard is just being honest and dismissed the notion that he was playing mind games and preparing for an unlikely selection on Sunday.

“I don’t think Tavernier will play, if Patterson is fit and available then he’ll start,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“It would be a surprise Gerrard won’t want Tavernier to break down again, even if he has just signed a new contract. 

“Celtic found Rangers out in the last Old Firm, those long balls forward to [Leon] Balogun caused all kinds of problems. 

“The full-back will have to do a lot of running and if Tavernier isn’t 100% fit then Patterson will surely start.

“I just can’t see Gerrard risking him and Patterson has done such a good job, I don’t think it’s mind games, Gerrard’s just being honest.”

Tavernier recently signed a new contract that will keep him at Ibrox until the summer of 2024 after leading Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory.

Further domestic success could be on the cards for Rangers this season as they hunt an unbeaten record in the league and Scottish Cup success over Celtic.

In other news, Rangers have been handed a seven-figure transfer boost after a “critical” Ibrox development.