Tavernier and Goldson are NOT Rangers legends if they chase Saudi cash as Hotline callers count the medals

Rangers stalwarts James Tavernier and Connor Goldson have been tipped for megabucks moves to Saudi Arabia.

But the news they could be set to cash in on Steven Gerrard’s petro dollars has only added fuel to the fire of criticism that’s been scorching the Ibrox pair lately. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife, said: “So Tavernier and Goldson are eyeing moves away from Ibrox. Who can blame them for chasing the money after all they are hardly laden down with trophies? You only get legendary status when you have winners' medals to back it up.”

Drew Ferguson, Oban, added: “I think Rangers need to consider selling the ageing Tavernier and Goldson to the Saudi Pro League as they don’t fit in with Philippe Clement’s Rangers model of buying young, developing their potential before selling on. Rangers will get a fee and free up wages, and the players will make millions in Saudi.”

Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Barry Ferguson says Tavernier will only leave for Saudi Arabia on one condition, that he feels he's done all he can. Barry, when you’re handed a golden ticket with riches beyond your dreams, you’d be so excited you’d be counting the money in your sleep! Nowadays loyalty is a meaningless word.”

Michael McAlinden emailed in: “I watched Rangers Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts as a neutral and have listened to the comments about Clement making an excellent tactical change by playing Leon Balogun. Personally I think the big difference Rangers had was in defence, having a right-back playing at right-back and not marauding all over the pitch exposing the right-sided central defender.

“Tavernier was notably hanging back even at times when he could possibly have pushed forward. If this was a tactical decision by Clement, he should also accept the responsibility for allowing the Lone Ranger to galavant all over the park leaving Goldson exposed in various games, leading to poor results in the league.”

A couple calls from yesterday’s Hotliners drew a lively reaction as the lines opened again. Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Those pathetic Celtic fans who always come on here to bleat about Rangers are really showing fear of a resurgent Rangers side. They are really pathetic. Frankly, I couldn't care less about the Parkhead side.”

Alan Flett said: “Theo Bishopton is spot on! By belittling Rangers, Celtic fans are also belittling their own clubs’ achievements. If they think the Viaplay Cup is Mickey Mouse, then I can only assume that they believe all their recent treble wins don’t count as trebles? Also, with over £70million in the bank, why aren’t they streets ahead of us?”

But Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: “Theo forgets that it was the Rangers fans who christened the League Cup with their Mickey Mouse title because Celtic couldn't stop winning it regularly in recent times. And Theo also forgets that before Rangers went into liquidation, they’d won this trophy more than Celtic and still hold that record.”

Craig Wilson, Kirkintilloch, said: “What is it with Gordon Ashley's obsession with Rangers? He made a snide comment about "unshared" titles. He forgets his side were handed a Premiership crown via a Zoom call when two thirds of the season had been played, helping them to 8.75 in a row! He's laughable.”

And Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: “So Gordon Hendry thinks that if Rangers had Lawrence Shankland then they would be the best team in the league. Celtic have by far the best players in every position. He seems to forget that if it wasn’t for their dodgy penalties, they would be mid-table at best.”