‘Hero’: Tom Stoltman lauds Rangers player on Instagram after cup win over Celtic

Mon 18 April 2022 8:15, UK

Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier has been described by World’s Strongest Man and Gers fan Tom Stoltman as a hero on Instagram.

The Ibrox outfit followed up their superb progress to the Europa League semi-finals by beating Celtic in the Scottish Cup semis on Sunday.

Rangers, fresh from their extra-time victory over Braga in midweek, fell behind to their Old Firm rivals in the 64th minute.

Greg Taylor fired beyond the reach Jon McLaughlin with the help of a deflection off Calvin Bassey.

Cameron Carter-Vickers almost doubled the lead minutes later, but his shot from a corner struck the crossbar.

Rangers equalised in the 78th minute, Scott Arfield sweeping home after being set up by Kemar Roofe.

The game went to extra time and, with penalties looming, Carl Starfelt diverted Fashion Sakala’s ball into his own net.

Rangers’ win put them on the brink of a first domestic cup win in 11 years. It also ends Celtic’s hopes of a fifth domestic treble in six seasons.

Tavernier took to Instagram after the match with a message for the fans, and Stoltman responded in the comments:

Up next for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s charges is Sunday’s Premiership trip to Motherwell.

The Gers then take on RB Leipzig in the Europa League semi-finals, either side of an Old Firm derby in the Premiership.

Rangers will face Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Saturday 21 May.

Three days later, Stoltman will get his WSM title defence under way.

The 2022 tournament gets under way in Sacramento, California.