CROCK SOLID

Rangers star Tavernier insists injury list won’t derail Europa League bid

JAMES TAVERNIER insists Rangers’ crippling injury list won’t derail their bid for Euro glory.

Steven Gerrard’s men fly to Gibraltar for this week’s Europa League opener without SEVEN first-team stars.

Allan McGregor, Joe Aribo and Jordan Jones were joined on the injury list by four Gers stars after the 4-0 thrashing of Dundee United. But skipper Tav reckons they will cope fine despite the crisis.

Boss Gerrard is sweating on Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun and Brandon Barker — all hurt on Saturday.

Tavernier said: “All the injuries against United didn’t disrupt us too much.

“That’s credit to the gaffer, the board and the whole recruitment team, because of the depth of squad we have.

“We lost Leon in the warm-up, Fil Helander came straight in and knows the role. We’ve also got George Edmundson on the bench, another terrific player.

“We lost Brandon and Jacko early on, but then we’ve got players who can come in.

“We’ve got that strength throughout the team and everyone knows their role.

“It’s never a sticky moment when someone comes in and is asked to do a job.”

Key midfielder Aribo could be out for another six weeks, while No1 McGregor faces a scan on his knee problem.

Boss Gerrard is hoping some of those injured against the Arabs could travel, but he will also want to strengthen his squad further.

His list of potential signings before the transfer window closes on October 5 includes Preston star Daniel Johnson.

The £2million-rated midfielder was left out of the squad for the defeat to Swansea.

Boss Alex Neil refused to discuss Johnson’s future, but it’s believed the player is keen on a switch to Ibrox.

Meanwhile, SFA compliance officer Clare Whyte could view the challenge which left Morelos with a gashed leg.

The Colombian was stretchered off after a high tackle by United defender Ryan Edwards that went unpunished.