STEVEN GERRARD insists James Tavernier must accept that criticism comes with the territory of being Rangers captain after finding himself under increasing pressure.

But the 39-year-old believes his skipper should have been given more 'protection' over comments he made ahead of the shock defeat to Hamilton.

Tavernier has been the focal point for much of the anger from supporters in recent weeks as Rangers' campaign has collapsed and their silverware ambitions have been ended thanks to defeats to Hearts and Accies.

The right-back could miss the trip to Ross County after picking up a knock at Ibrox.

Gerrard said: "Again, in this situation I will speak to James. I have that daily contact and dialogue with him anyway and I will see where he is at.

"Obviously the injury might make the decision for me if he is not available. But then we will go from there. If I feel anyone is not in the right place, whether it be to do with performances or from a mental point of view, I’ll do what I think is best in that situation.

"Look, when we came in, from the outside James was someone who was very robust, he was always available, his form was good from what I’d seen. We didn’t really know anyone in the dressing room personally.

"We added a lot of players and needed to start new relationships from it. James got the shout from there.

"I think he has done a lot of things right. Last year he posted numbers that were unique for a full-back.

"I think he would be the first to admit that since Christmas his form could be better. He has said that himself. He is doing a lot of things right.

"But, listen, when you are the captain and leader of this club, when results don’t go as well as they should go, you are always going to be in the firing line. It was the same when I was the captain at Liverpool.

"If results were indifferent I’d always find that the heat came on me and Jamie Carragher more than most players. James accepts that. That’s the way it is."

Gerrard was firm in his backing of Tavernier earlier in the campaign after high-profile and costly mistakes against Young Boys and Hearts.

Many have questioned the 28-year-old's suitability to continue leading the Gers.

"I think that should remain private between myself and James when we have the daily dialogue," Gerrard said when asked if Tavernier gives him everything he wants from a captain. "He knows what I demand from him on and off the pitch. So that’s all I want to say on that really."

Tavernier has come under fire for his comments in the match programme in midweek as he revealed Rangers were 'not good enough' to react when teams put them under pressure domestically.

Ryan Kent and Michael Beale have also been criticised for views on Rangers' form compared to European competition this term.

Gerrard said: "Sometimes when you say certain things, it’s got to be checked before it goes out at certain times. You know that and I know that.

"I think James has maybe said something there that in hindsight he probably doesn’t mean, or it has been taken out of context and he is getting a lot of criticism for it. Maybe it could have been avoided."