The Rangers 'regret' that could come back to haunt them

The former captain's departure has left the club struggling for a consistent right-back, with Derek McInnes yet to find a settled solution.

Rangers have not won any of their first three matches under McInnes, losing 2-1 at home to Hibernian on Sunday.

This followed a 2-1 Europa League qualifying defeat to Jagiellonia Białystok and a 1-1 Premiership draw at Dundee United.

The Light Blues have experimented with several players on the right of defence, including Dujon Sterling, Vanja Dragojevic, and Findlay Curtis.

Ross McCrorie has also been brought back from Bristol City, with the club pursuing Aston Villa defender Kosta Nedeljkovic.

However, Townsend, a former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland midfielder, has questioned whether Tavernier should have been offered a new contract before his 11-year spell at Ibrox ended last season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Townsend said: "Do you know what, Jeff? I’ve just seen there that James Tavernier is still a free agent after leaving the club.

"He scored all those goals for Rangers, which was remarkable for the position he was playing.

"I just wonder whether or not that decision is one that, I don’t know, would they regret that one?"

Tavernier is still without a club, and his absence has sparked fresh debate amid the current uncertainty at right-back.