Rohl defends omitting Tavernier from Rangers line-up

Danny Rohl stands by his decision to deny departing Rangers captain James Tavernier a final start at Ibrox, stressing that his job is always based on what is best for his team.

Tavernier had brought forward a planned injection on an ankle knock in a bid to say his goodbyes from the pitch but refused to take part in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Hibs when told he was to be among the substitutes.

The 34-year-old full-back did appear before kick-off to receive a commemorative shield from club legend John Greig, but later said he felt "deeply hurt and let down".

Tavernier also described the episode as the "most difficult and emotional of my career for both myself and my family".

Rohl insists he was "very transparent" with the defender, who is leaving under freedom of contract after 11 years.

"My job is to make decisions, who starts," said the manager. "There's a huge difference between emotional decisions and decisions with emotions.

"I was clear and open and it was also my wish and suggestion that he gets a proper goodbye on Wednesday," said Rohl.

"But also at this time I always said to him, 'it could be you start, it could be you come from the bench'.

"This is not the point. If you ask me what was in my head for this day, it was first to take three points, win a game, see Tav with his family walking in, take the plaque which he deserved, make a walk around the stadium and then finally get some minutes on the pitch.

"If it's a starter or sub, this was for me. In the case of how I spoke with him, clearly, I gave him a suggestion.

"He asked me if I'm a starter and I said, 'if nothing changes overnight, you will not start, but you will get your minutes on the pitch'.

"My final decision, and this is the reason why I said 'if', it's always on match day I decide my team, three hours before the game, never overnight.

"I took the picture, I collected information and this is also a part, we are still a club to play for results and for wins, and I made the decision, what is best for the team in this moment.

"It was always in my mind to give him this goodbye. I always respect Tav. We had a great communication, I was honest to him, I was honest to him in this case as well."

Tavernier's social media post has received support from past and present Rangers players but Rohl dismissed the notion of dissent in the dressing room.

"It shows how strong the relationship is between the players," he said. "I think this is always great. I do not take it personally, and if there's a like or repost, then it's more about that."