STEVEN GERRARD has praised the mentality and character of captain James Tavernier after he silenced his critics by leading Rangers to the Premiership title and earned a new Ibrox deal.

Tavernier has committed his future to Rangers until the summer of 2024 after penning an extension to his contract this week and he will soon become the first skipper in a decade to lift the top flight silverware.

Now in his sixth year at Rangers, the right-back has had to put up with more than his fair share of negative headlines and comments during what have been some difficult times on and off the park at Ibrox.

Glasgow Times: James Tavernier

But the arrival of Gerrard has helped Tavernier reach new heights and he is continuing to strive for further success as he takes youngster Nathan Patterson under his tutelage.

Gerrard said: “When you play for a top club you have to be prepared to soak a bit of criticism up.

“That’s more so in this day and age with all the social media platforms and the amount of people that cover the games.

“I know from experience it’s not all pats on the back and praise.

"But I’ll tell you something, you can never question his mentality or character.

READ MORE: Why title 55 has to be just the start for Ibrox captain James Tavernier

“He’s soaked up more than most. But he’s tried to improve, he’s put that hard work in.

“I see it on a daily basis and people need to understand it’s not just about the 90 minute performance.

“It’s what you put in in terms of your application and how you get yourself ready.

“James is an example to everyone at the club in that regard.

“The pleasing thing for me is that he wants to continue to improve, he wants to continue to get better and he wants to be a good support to young Nathan who will come through and take the baton eventually.

“From a right-back point of view the club is in a great place.”

The contract that Tavernier signed this week will take him into his ninth season at Ibrox and he now has a chance to enhance his hero status with Rangers supporters after playing his part in the historic 55th title triumph.

The 29-year-old is set to return to action before the end of the campaign after missing several weeks through the injury he sustained in the Europa League victory over Royal Antwerp in February.

And that would be another major boost for Gerrard as he expressed his delight at seeing Tavernier put pen-to-paper and commit his future to Rangers ahead of their title defence next term.

Gerrard said: “It’s thoroughly deserved because I am really pleased with James.

“I have built up a real strong relationship with him. He’s been my captain over the course of the last three years and obviously I am well aware of what he’s been through before we came.

Glasgow Times: James Tavernier and Nathan Patterson

“It’s a great story and I love nothing better than to see people rewarded for the hard work and effort.

“He deserves a new contract, he deserves a pay rise and hopefully he can get back and continue in the same form he has shown from day one.

“We need James back as soon as possible and hopefully he can play his part in the final part of the season.

“He’s been superb for me on and off the pitch and I’m delighted for him."