James Tavernier: Captain no longer first choice for Rangers?

The captain, who was also on the bench for the win over St Mirren last month, came on in the 67th minute at Hampden before being ruled out for Thursday’s game in Greece.

It is impossible to say whether the result would have been different had Tavernier started, but what is clear is that both Sterling and Casanvirgio can be pleased with their defensive performances against a disappointing Olympiacos attack.

Clement praised his “really solid” defense and praised his midfielders for playing their part in the draw, which meant Rangers are now unbeaten in their last five Europa League away matches – their longest such run in history tournament.

The clearest sign of where Clement stands in Tavernier’s pecking order will now come on Sunday when Hearts visit Ibrox, but the Belgian insisted he wants the leadership to come from more than one player.

“It’s never an easy decision, but I want there to be more than one captain in the group,” the Rangers manager said of his call to keep Tavernier on the bench.

“If you get to a certain age, you can’t play 60 games at one level. We knew that before the season and talked about it.”

“It’s about fighting for places. It’s about one team winning together. This is Rangers – one team, one family, working towards one goal.”