Monday 13 May 2019 07:29, UK
James Tavernier says Rangers can be title challengers next year if they cut out the costly mistakes which wrecked this year's bid.
Rangers set down a marker ahead of the next season with a 2-0 victory in the final Old Firm clash of the season.
Tavernier's second-minute free-kick was misjudged by Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain and Scott Arfield wrapped up the win midway through the second period.
However, with Neil Lennon's side already confirmed as champions, victory counted for little this season, but will renew belief among Rangers supporters that they can end Celtic's era of dominance next campaign.
"We have to take this performance into the new season," Tavernier said. "Over the past five games we have shown a real dominance in the way we have played and in the system we have worked on.
"We definitely believe we need to carry that into next season but today (Sunday) we were exceptional.
"Yeah, we'll be frustrated looking back on parts of this campaign. Once the season ends, it is those other games where we have lacked consistency.
"If we learn from those lessons before next season then we will definitely be in a title race.
"There are positives there. So if we can take them, and look at and correct the negatives, then I believe we will be in a really good position.
"We have gone toe-to-toe with Celtic, who have obviously deserved to win the league. That is down to us with our lack of consistency.
"But we feel that we have got the team and the manager is going to strengthen in the summer. We are in a good position."
