GARY MCALLISTER has dropped a strong hint that James Tavernier has been relieved of Rangers penalty duties ahead of the clash with Ross County.

The Ibrox skipper has missed three spot kicks - the latest of which came against Motherwell on Sunday - this term as his form has come in for criticism.

Boss Steven Gerrard admitted he would consider giving the responsibility from 12 yards to another taker and McAllister wouldn’t be conclusively drawn on whether Tavernier would step up next time out.

McAllister said: “Time will tell you on that one. I don’t want to give anything away.

“It would be unwise for me to give any clues to the people in Dingwall about who’s going to be taking penalties but it’s an issue that’s been sorted.

“I’ve been a penalty misser and it’s part of the territory. There are greater players than James or me who have missed penalties. Some of the greatest players on the world scene have missed penalties.

“It takes strength of character, when the next one comes around, to step forward, but there does come a moment - and I’ve had penalties taken off me - when the situation arises.

“His record has been very good – recently not so good – and we’ve addressed it, but I don’t want to give that away.”

Rangers will continue to monitor Brandon Barker after he was forced off in the first half on Sunday. And the winger isn’t the only injury concern for the trip to Dingwall this evening.

McAllister said: “He took a blow so we will give him until [today]. It was more when he landed. It was like a somersault.

“He is a doubt but it is a positive that we think he might even have an outside chance of making it. Ryan Kent is someone we are managing from his previous injury and Allan McGregor took a blow when he landed as well but we are hopeful he will make it.”