James Tavernier has defended his Rangers performances this term and insisted his form has been ‘pretty good’ as he opened up on conversations with Philippe Clement regarding his game time at Ibrox.

The skipper will lead Clement’s side out at Hampden on Sunday as Rangers look to progress to the League Cup final and bounce back from the dismal defeat to Aberdeen. Rangers are nine points adrift of the Dons and Celtic in the Premiership title race and Clement has come under huge pressure after a poor start to the domestic campaign.

Tavernier has not been without his critics once again this term. The right-back has contributed three assists from his 17 appearances and has just one goal to his credit after scoring in the win over Dundee at Ibrox.

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Clement has previously spoken about reducing the number of matches that the 33-year-old plays as Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo look to replace the captain in the starting line-up. Tavernier is, though, satisfied with his showings for Clement’s side.

“I felt I have been pretty good this season,” Tavernier said when asked how he would judge his form this term. “Obviously there has been a bit of a dry spell, if you want to say, in goals but I am trying to create as many chances as possible and try to reduce as much as we can going against our goal.

“Physically I feel really good. I feel I get stronger and stronger all the time. It is nothing new for me to play 60 games a season. I can do that physically, I can put that demand on myself. It is just about me making sure my football is right and the demand on myself so it can reflect on others.

“There have obviously been chats [with the manager about not playing as much this season]. We have got a squad and we need to keep freshness. I will say to him that I want to play every single game but obviously it can come down to certain aspects where he needs a little bit more freshness. It is his decision. I am always there to be called upon to play.”