JAMES Tavernier tonight revealed that he had promsed his wife he would score in Rangers' match with Red Star Belgrade – to celebrate the birth of his daughter this week.

Tavernier converted a penalty in the 11th minute of the Europa League last 16 first leg match at Ibrox after Ryan Kent had been fouled in the visitors area.

Alfredo Morelos and Leon Balogun also netted n a comfortable 3-0 victory to give Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side an excellent chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Rangers captain Tavernier confessed he had been eager to contribute to mark the arrival of his daughter.  

“My wife gave birth to our baby daughter a couple of days ago,” he said. “That was part of the celebration so I’m buzzing. 
“She asked if I would do a celebration so I had to get on the scoresheet. I’m buzzing for that, but just happy to help the boys and get a 3-0 to take into next week.”
Tavernier admitted that Rangers had given themselves an excellent chance of reaching their first European quarter-final in 14 years with their emphatic triumph.

However, the right back stressed that the Scottish champions will not be taking their place in the last eight of the competition for granted with a difficult match in the “Marakana” still to play in Serbia next Thursday night. 

Rangers were unexpectedly awarded a spot kick in the 10th minute of the Europa League last 16 first leg tie when Dutch referee Sendar Gozubuyuk ruled that Kent had been fouled by Slavoljub Smic in the visitors’ area.

Tavernier, who had scored a double in the 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the knockout round play-off last month, stepped forward and fired into the top right corner.

Alfredo Morelos volleyed beyond Milan Borjan in the 15th minute after the ball broke to him on the edge of the Red Star penalty box.

Allan McGregor saved an Aleksandar Katai brilliantly penalty in the 23rd minute after Gozubuyuk ruled that Ryan Jack had brought down Mirko Ivanic.

Leon Balogun put the Scottish champions three in front in the sixth minute of the second-half when he got on the end of a Tavernier corner and headed into the top right corner. 

“It’s an unbelievable game for us, an unbelievable achievement,” said Tavernier. “We know it’s only halfway there, but I thought the boys were exceptional.
“The lines of the defence had to keep them offside as much as we could. We knew they would be a threat, but I thought we really managed it well. 
“Three goals to take into the second leg has put us in a good position, but we can’t be complacent. We know we’ve got a tough game next Thursday and we’ll be going there like it’s 0-0.
Tavernier added: “We play for the fans, play for the club. All the boys give 100 per cent for the cause. 
“We’re just really happy that we could send everyone home happy tonight - and the people watching at home.
“It’s a great achievement for the club but we’re only halfway. We’ve got work to do and we’ve got to carry this momentum for the rest of the season.

“We push each other on. It starts at the training ground. We have to push each other every single day. 
“We have to work hard for each other in matches. Every lad was brilliant tonight, even the subs, so I’m really happy.”