James Tavernier has targeted playing for another four years – regardless of where his future lies next season.
Set to turn 35 in October, the Rangers skipper’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
The Englishman is in the dark about the possibility of prolonging his stay in Glasgow to a 12th season and is aware that the forthcoming matches against Motherwell and Hibs might well be his last at Ibrox.
But although no longer an automatic pick under Danny Rohl, Tavernier feels he still has a lot to give the game.
‘I’ll keep playing, 100 per cent,’ he said. ‘I’m not slowing down. I’m still putting in numbers.
‘I wish I had more assists this season, but I’ll speak to the lads about that — because I’ve been putting them on a plate for people!
James Tavernier, whose contract will expire in the summer, insists he is not slowing down
Tavernier is still playing his part for Rangers, but there have been no talks about his future
Tavernier wants to focus on winning games and lifting the Premiership trophy for Rangers
‘But my body feels great. Easily, I think I’ve got another three or four years, especially if young boys are cramping up before me.
‘I’ve always been robust in my playing career, I’ve never had muscular injuries. So, I just have to keep looking after myself.’
Tavernier joined Rangers from Wigan in 2015 when they were in the Championship under Mark Warburton.
Across his time, he’s won each of the major domestic honours once and has become the top scoring defender in British football history.
It looks increasingly likely, though, that next month will be his last at the club with the player confirming that he’s not yet had any dialogue over a fresh deal.
‘Not currently but that would be out of my hands if there was,’ he explained. ‘I’m fully focused on the team and my performances and there’s a team behind me who deals with that kind of stuff.
‘Who knows? My wife was asking me about summer holidays and what trainers to buy for the kids. I told her that’s too far away for me… My life is busy with my wife, the kids and my football.
‘I’m not someone who thinks too long-term. I have full belief in myself and my ability — and it’s something that will get taken care of.
‘I’m just focusing on Motherwell and what I have to do this weekend. That’s always been my mindset. I’m in this position for the first time in my career but in the years I’ve been in contract I’ve never thought about the next season or what might happen in the summer. I’ve just tried to make myself better every day.’
Tavernier insists his next career move will primarily be driven by the well-being of his nearest and dearest.
‘It will be about what’s right for myself and my family,’ he said. ‘I play for my family, they’re such a big part of my life. So, it will be a conversation I have with my wife and kids.’
More immediately, the full-back is focused on leading the side to the league title across the remaining five matches.
Rangers still trail Hearts by a point and are two ahead of third-placed Celtic as the three title contenders prepare for a nail-biting finale.
Given the troubled position Rangers were in when Rohl arrived on the scene, Tavernier feels getting over the line first would carry added significance.
‘It would be a special one from the start of the season to now,’ he said. ‘The aim at the start of every season is to try and win everything you possibly can.
‘I remember when we qualified for the Champions League, my ambition was to try and win that Champions League.
‘I’ve always been like that as a kid — I’ve always wanted to win everything I’ve been in. I play the PlayStation with my son, I don’t let him win.
‘It’s just a fight with me. For what this season has unfolded to be, it would be special. We’ve got an important month and we have to keep that foot pressed to the floor and really keep on pushing harder and harder because that’s what it’s going to take to win this.’
*James Tavernier was appearing on behalf of SPFL title sponsor William Hill.
