Rangers star fills the shoes of iconic former mentor in his own way as he's told to keep playing to strengths

Rangers full back Dujon Sterling should continue playing to his strength and not worry about replicating the attacking output of former captain James Tavernier, according to Ibrox hero Alan Hutton.

The 26-year old has been given the challenging task of following Tavernier - who scored 114 goals for Rangers during his 11 years at the club before leaving towards the end of last season. While Sterling isn’t the same type of player to be bombing forward and hit set pieces, his defensive work at the other end of the pitch has been invaluable to the Light Blues so far this season.

The Englishman particularly stood out in the Old Firm double-header before the international break. As manager Derek McInnes deployed a man-for-man defensive approach to the game, Sterling’s physicality and aggression proved to be vital as Rangers secured back-to-back wins over their rivals.

‘Brilliant’ Sterling doesn’t need to attack because he can defend - Hutton

Hutton is no stranger to the demands set on a full back at Ibrox having bombed up and down the right hand side for six years there as a player. Now a pundit, he explained to the Daily Record why he believes Sterling’ attributes can be just as influential as Tavernier’s. He said: “He’s (Sterling) been brilliant, but I've always thought that.

“I've always thought he's had the capabilities to be a top player within Rangers, especially the defensive side of it. He showed in those two Celtic games his pace, his aggression, his willingness to stand up one-vs-one, it doesn't matter who it is he’s facing.”

Since signing for Rangers from Chelsea in 2023, Sterling has struggled with injuries and consistency, largely down to the fact Tavernier held down the right back spot for so long, he often had to play elsewhere. Rangers signed Aston Villa full back Kosta Nedeljkovic on loan in the summer as well right back Ross McCrorie from Bristol City on a permanent deal. However, as it stands, Sterling has made the position his own.

Why do Rangers not need Sterling to attack?

Hutton continued: “The only thing is you ask is maybe in the final third, could he do a little bit better? But are we judging that against the likes of Tavernier and what he brought to this team? Today as we stand, I think the Rangers in the front line have got the players which means they now don't necessarily need their right-back to be up there and swinging balls in every two seconds.

“It means Sterling can focus on the defensive side of it, which is good. Nobody can live up to the record Tavernier had at the top end of the pitch. That's like a one-off situation. His goals and assists were absolutely phenomenal. Everybody will look at Sterling and they'll judge him against what Tav did. But I think there has to be a balance within it because you have to ask, what do you want as your defender?

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