RANGERS captain James Tavernier has given his first interview of the 2021/22 campaign, and the message is clear – ‘we go again’.
The skipper, who was speaking exclusively to RangersTV as your club channel continues to be the only place for pre-season training access, was keen to draw a line under the triumph of last season and refocus on the challenges ahead.
He also outlined the need for both he and his teammates to further themselves as individuals and as a collective, and explained: “We are the champions, and we have got to remain that way this season, so it is down to us to give every last breath and every last ounce of energy to protect that this season.
"We have got to [remain focused] and add even more. We are always looking to improve and that is what we will be doing in pre-season.
"We have got to be making ourselves better and that will push us forward for this season for the Champions League qualifiers, and the boys want to aim for the group stages, and we want to do well in the league and in the cups.
"I always want to improve myself every single day and I know all the boys are as well. That is really good to see, and I want to be a better version of myself."
Tavernier has enjoyed seeing a number of his teammates in action at major tournaments this summer, not least Nathan Patterson.
Patterson made his competitive debut for Scotland against Borna Barisic’s Croatia, and Tavernier said: "It has been great to see. Unfortunately Jon and Nathan couldn't make it past the group stage, but it was so good to see Nathan making his international competitive debut in a Euros.
Tavernier has also noted the return of supporters at the Euros, and the difference they have made to the spectacle.
With optimism growing the return of fans to Ibrox isn’t too far away, he added: "It adds that atmosphere.
We want to be playing in front of a full-house, or even if it is a half-house, you still want to be playing in front of fans, and it adds that extra-special touch to what football is about."
WATCH: You can watch a short trailer below or RangersTV subscribers can watch in full HERE.
PRE-SEASON FIXTURES: A number of matches and activities that will prepare the champions for UEFA Champions League qualifiers and competitive domestic action can be found HERE.