Neil McCann makes James Tavernier Rangers flak connection as he denies Philippe Clement is feeling title heat

Neil McCann has leapt to the defence of Rangers skipper James Tavernier in the aftermath of the dismal loss against Ross County last weekend.

The 32-year-old's defensive capabilities have once again been put under the microscope, with two of the Staggies goals in the shock 3-2 victory coming down Tavernier's side. The defeat has dealt the Light Blues a hammer blow in their Premiership title tilt, with leaders Celtic now sitting four points clear at the top of the table.

Ahead of Wednesday night's game in hand away to Dundee, boss Philippe Clement conceded that his skipper did not have a good afternoon in Dingwall, but pointed out that very few in Rangers colours did. Pundit and ex-Gers winger McCann has now thrown his support behind the former Newcastle United youngster and insists he only seems to get flak when the Ibrox side are on the end of a disappointing result.

Speaking on Go Radio, McCann said: "I'm not going to be drawn on that. I think James Tavernier has been exceptional when you look at his goal involvements, which are outrageous for a right back. I think the criticism of James comes readily when a result goes against Rangers.

"I understand the frustrations but you have to look at what he offers going forward. I don't think his strong suit is one v one defending but I still think he is a good defender."

The former Scotland international also disagrees with claims that boss Clement is feeling the heat of the title run-in. The Belgian sparked controversy at the full-time whistle in Sunday's defeat when he went straight down the tunnel to address his despondent players, ignoring the formal handshake with Staggies interim gaffer Don Cowie before returning to greet his opposite number afterwards.

"Absolutely not", he stated. "I understand that pressure having played there (at Rangers) as a player and can only imagine how intense it must be as a manager. I don't think he is losing the head. People can look into things that he has said but I think he has remained pretty consistent."

However, former Celtic favourite Andy Walker - who was also on the show - admitted his shock at the incident and put it down to the incessant nature of going for a league title. He added: "I think he's been a class act so I was surprised when he marched down the tunnel after the game.

"Obviously it was down to the shock of losing, as every manager has felt a painful defeat. You need to stay and shake hands with the opposing manager. Everyone knows what type of pressure managers are under. It can be brutal and you can be binned for no reason. That was the only surprise to me and it tells you that the pressure every week is enormous.