Maccabi Tel Aviv sign former Rangers captain James Tavernier

Maccabi Tel Aviv have signed former Rangers captain James Tavernier on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old became a free agent this summer after 11 seasons at the Ibrox club.

The defender, who will wear the number 2 jersey, will link up with former Rangers teammate Kenny Miller, who is the head coach of the Israeli Premier League club.

After sealing the deal, which also includes the option of a further year, he said: “It’s a real honour to join a club with such a rich history as Maccabi Tel Aviv.

“Coming to a new country and experiencing a different environment is something I’ve always wanted to do in my career, so there’s a real excitement about the opportunity and the challenge ahead.

“I’ve heard a lot about the club from Kenny Miller, especially the ambitions, the desire to compete for trophies and, of course, the Maccabi fans and the atmosphere they create.

“Having played for a big club for so many years, I know how important the fans are and how much they can drive a team on.

“Maccabi is a club that wants to win and compete for trophies, and that’s exactly what you want as a player. The aim is to give everything for the club, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The former Ibrox captain made 565 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish club, scoring 144 goals and providing 148 assists.