Rangers right-back James Tavernier has revealed that he likes to jump over the line while coming on to the pitch as a pre-match superstitious ritual.
The free-scoring defender has become an integral part of Mark Warburton’s side since making his move to Ibrox in the summer from Wigan Athletic.
The Leeds United youth product has scored 10 goals in 23 competitive appearances for the Gers so far this season, playing a big part in their success.
Tavernier has revealed that jumping over the line makes him feel like a gladiator, who comes into the arena.
Speaking in an interview with Rangers TV, Tavernier said: “When I walk out on to the pitch, I tend to jump over the line all the time.
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“I would [say] the name of my kids before I go out and I have always felt when I’ve gone on to the pitch I’ve always jumped over the line, because I am in the arena.
“It’s like in the arena. I am a gladiator.”
Warburton’s men sit comfortably at the top of the Scottish Championship, with 41 points from 16 games and are three points ahead of second placed Hibernian.
The Gers dropped points for only the third time this season, drawing at home to Morton on Saturday.
Tavernier’s free-kick was nodded in by Kenny Miller within the first two minutes of the game to give the home side the lead.
However, the 24-year-old then got on the scoresheet, when he used his knees to knock the ball past Wes Foderingham into his own net.
