Ah, James Tavernier. Born on that dreadfully frightful night of 31 October 1991 in England, he is not exactly a name that springs to mind when you think of the all-time greats. Standing at a rather average 5 feet 8 inches (1.75m for those of you who are metrically inclined), and weighing in at the startlingly typical weight of 12st 10lb (or 81kg to you continental types).
Naturally, he wears the number 2 jersey. Quite fittingly ordinary for a player who primarily finds himself shuffling up and down the right flank for the less than distinguished Rangers Football Club.
However, it would seem our Mr. Tavernier has had quite the varied journey in the English football circuit (or circus, as some of us like to call it). Yes, he once had the honour of being associated with the famous black and white stripes of Newcastle United, albeit in the somewhat less than illustrious role of a trainee (that career decision reeks of ambition now, doesn't it?).
Despite a rather dismal performance during his tenure at Newcastle with a whopping two first team appearances, he was loaned out to a number of clubs in quick succession. From Gateshead to Carlisle United, Mr Tavernier danced around the leagues, with his appearances not doing much to make him a household name.
In light of these circumstances, you'd be forgiven for thinking Tavernier was playing a game of "ring around the leagues". As he skipped and hopped from clubs whose names may not immediately spark familiarity, you know: MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United, with varying degrees of, well, relative success.
A quick vacation to Wigan Athletic offered no respite, forcing him to Bristol City on loan where he managed to perform with what can only be described as an average level of mediocrity. Ah, the beautiful game, indeed.
It was in July 2015 that Tavernier decided, quite inexplicably, to abandon the English 'circus' and make for the Scottish hills. Rangers, perennially in the shadow of the mighty Celtic, managed to scoop him up for a modest fee of £200k. One might think, "ah, bargain deal!" But let's remember that one man's treasure is another man's regret.
Now, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Tavernier's performances at Rangers offered a slight glimmer of hope. Yes, it's true, his performances were certainly commendable, with his goal tally suggesting that perhaps his aspirations may indeed lie mercifully beyond defending.
Yet, even as Tavernier's contributions remain commendably notable, one has to wonder, would the laddie from Bradford have made it in the Green and White hoop? Now, there's a thought.
As for the rest of his illustrious career, such as meets the eye, I must commend him on his sporadic showings in various cups and European competitions. Though no amount of goals scored in the League Cup, Scottish Cup or the Europa League can conceal the bitter taste of an unfulfilled career with the Old Firm's lesser half.
And so, we come to the end of our wee journey into the life of James Tavernier, a player who dares to play football in the same country as Celtic. God knows, someday, that number 2 jersey might have looked rather fetching in emerald green and pure white instead of the strained blues of Ibrox.
