James Tavernier: From lower-league loanee to Rangers' free-scoring, title-winning captain

It was half an hour into the first training session for James Tavernier, his sixth and final loan spell away from Newcastle United.

Steve Evans was the manager of the League One side when the youngster ignored his instructions for a fourth time. A strong word was required.

Evans remembers asking him if he was coming to be a man or to waste his time.

That was the only time I had to do that. He was stunning for us. He was a big part of our promotion. James would say that we played a big part in where he is today.

Nine years later, the rise of Rangers' title-winning captain is documented by the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation.

Why does the Englishman, who will lead his side into a semi-final on Thursday, remain unheralded in his country?

Recurring loans to Wembley hero

After six loans over four years, perhaps a stern word was what Tavernier needed.

The defender had a lot of potential to excel at the top level. It was clear that he was going to be going to the academy of the premier league.

The only first-team football Tavernier played that season was in a League Cup exit at Peterborough.

A League Cup runout was awarded to the teenager after a 3-2 win at Stanley.

He was away from the game for 52 games in England's lower league.

Tavernier was exposed to the professional game on a consistent basis when he moved to Rotherham in November.

The full-back played a key role in the promotion of the Yorkshire side to the Championship, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 31 games.

Evans saw a talent when he saw him play under-23 football.

He won games for us with the set-pieces. When we got a free-kick, you thought it would be a goal because of his quality. James was special, but we had a super team.

In the play-off final at Wembley, we were 2-0 down at the half. We needed more of an attacking threat so I pushed James forward.

He rose the team from the ashes, getting on the ball and driving us forward. His contribution got us to the Championship.

'I told Celtic to sign him'

Evans was a fan of Celtic and recommended the club to Tavernier. The Englishman ended his five-year stint at Newcastle after Wigan Athletic called.

The right-back made just seven starts in the Championship before going on loan to League One.

The current Ibrox captain aided another third-tier promotion and this time it was Bristol City.

With Rangers licking their wounds from a failed promotion push of their own, manager Mark Warburton was tasked with revitalising the club as they aimed to return to the top flight after three years in the lower league.

His first job was to get Tavernier from Wigan. The last man standing is the right-back who was recruited by the former boss seven years ago.

He was a tremendous athlete and had great deliveries.

Attack was his best form of defence. James' character was said to be strong, friendly and hard working by everyone I asked. He trained every day.

Everything we heard turned out to be true.

'For a right-back, his numbers are scary'

On the day of his arrival, Tavernier said he was hoping to bag more than what he had scored.

It is a statement you would expect from a new forward looking to rediscover their form. It was coming from a teammate.

His first wonder strike was a free-kick against Hibs at Easter Road.

A total of 80 goals and 106 assists were contributed to that season by a tally of 15 goals and 23 assists.

Kenny Miller, who played with Tavernier for three seasons at Ibrox, says his numbers are frightening.

He is a real modern-day full-back, but he is a better defender than he gets credit for. He is the fall guy when things seem to go wrong, but that is what happens when you are a leader of a big side.

He has been through a lot in his time at the club and he has developed the mindset a Rangers player needs. He responded to what it means to represent that badge.

'Liverpool standard' - but why still in Scotland?

Miller netted 116 Rangers goals in 301 games. It is a feat for a defender to have reached over two thirds.

The caveat is a fair chunk are penalties - 40 to be exact - but the Englishman has created a mammoth 88 chances over 32 games this season and is on 12 in the league.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was hailed for his deadly deliveries and frightening assist numbers, also sits on 12 in the English premier league.

If Alexander-Arnold was out, he could play for the Reds. He would fit both of them.

Why hasn't he attracted more attention from the public?

Evans says that it is not for the want of people trying.

The only reason he hasn't left isn't because people won't pay He has never said he wants to leave. Rangers fans have a special leader.

People have asked me why it doesn't come down south. It has to be an offer. Why would he want to leave one of the biggest clubs in Europe with a fantastic history and great fans?

After receiving advice from Wallace and another ex-Ibrox skipper, Steven Gerrard appointed Tavernier his captain for the first season as Rangers boss.

After becoming the first Rangers captain to lift a top-flight crown in a decade, this season's title defence has not gone as planned.

The reigning champion went some way to saving their season with back-to-back extra-time wins over Braga and their city rivals in the last four of the Scottish Cup.

The Rangers skipper can further cement himself as an Ibrox legend by leading the side into a first European final in 14 years.