After what Clement mentioned, Boyd can witness Tavernier leave the Rangers for the first time.

Kris Boyd can now see a scenario in which James Tavernier leaves Rangers in 2025 after comments made by Philippe Clement on Friday.

Speaking at his pre-Dundee United press conference on 21 November, Clement suggested the Gers could look to bring in reinforcements following news of Neraysho Kasanwirjo being out long-term.

In the view of Boyd, this implies Clement is not happy to rely on Tavernier, who no longer starts every match.

Writing in his column for The Scottish Sun’s online edition [22 November], Boyd said: “When Clement was asked yesterday about being without Kasanwirjo, he didn’t trot out the old line about having two quality right-backs already.

“He insisted they’d look at it in the January window and see what they could do. All that did was fuel the impression that Tavernier won’t be a first pick any more.

“He’s coming out of contract next summer while Sterling has recently signed a deal until 2028. Maybe I’m late to the party in terms of acknowledging it could be the end for Tav.

“But listening to the manager this week was the first time I’d really I’d really thought it was heading that way.”

James Tavernier coming to end of Rangers spell

Tavernier has been a great servant for Rangers down the years, even if he has divided opinion among the fanbase in the past couple of those.

The full-back is an easy target and, while the criticism is often justified, some of the abuse aimed his way does sometimes cross the line.

Tav is by no means the weakest link in this current Gers crop, yet you would not know that going by fans’ comments alone.

If he does move on in 2025, with a switch to Saudi Arabia now very much on, then he will go with the best wishes of the supporters – or so you’d hope.

Clement has started to ease him out of the side already to mixed success, but the long-term lay-off of Kasanwirjo certainly doesn’t help matters.

As Boyd says, though, these latest Clement comments do seem pretty telling. If cover is brought in in January, that could well spell the end.