Rangers star James Tavernier criticised ahead of Porto clash - ‘That does create problems’ (Image: GETTY)
James Tavernier has struggled in recent weeks and Charlie Nicholas has now criticised the Rangers captain for his defensive ability.
Tavernier was at fault for both goals against Young Boys in the Europa League recently while he also put in an error-strewn display during the draw at Hearts.
He now travels to Portugal to face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday in what is sure to be a tough encounter.
And Nicholas believes it gets that little bit harder because of Tavernier's defensive struggles.
Nicholas wrote for Sky Sports: "Rangers are going well. They are scoring lots of goals, but are a bit frail defensively.
"James Tavernier is a bit weak defensively compared to what he is going forward. That does create its own problems.
"Rangers do not have the craft or knowledge to get through these games when they do not see a lot of the ball, so this is where they may come unstuck."
Despite Tavernier's struggles of late, the man who took him to Ibrox believes he might be the subject of plenty of transfer speculation in January.
Former Rangers manager and current QPR boss Mark Warburton said: “I know for a fact there is a lot of interest down here. I hear people talk and I’ve had a lot of calls from managers asking me about him.
Rangers star James Tavernier criticised ahead of Porto clash - ‘That does create problems’ (Image: SKY)
Rangers star James Tavernier criticised ahead of Porto clash - ‘That does create problems’ (Image: GETTY)
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“I remember we were playing a game and I knew a Premier League club was coming to watch him.
“After the game I was chatting with David Weir and we agreed that Tav hadn’t had the best of games.
“But the guy from the club who was watching him came up and said he was magnificent."
“He saw an athlete going forward, whipping balls into the box and causing all kinds of trouble for the opponent.
“Yes, everyone has areas that can be improved but Tav is an outstanding asset. He deserves nothing but respect.”