Connor Goldson namechecks Celtic’s Callum McGregor and Scott Brown in tenuous James Tavernier defence

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Callum McGregor and Scott Brown are two of the winningest captains in Celtic’s history.

So Connor Goldson comparing the pair to Rangers skipper James Tavernier seems like a serious stretch.

In context, Tavernier has had a miserable season at Ibrox so far this term with the club sitting third in the Scottish Premiership.

They are nine points behind both Celtic and Aberdeen who have established themselves so far as Brendan Rodgers’ side’s closest rivals.

Give him his dues, Tavernier has scored the vast majority of his side’s goals over the past number of years.

His assist stats are also commendable.

But when it comes to influence, leadership and ability to win when it counts, the 33-year-old simply cannot compare to either McGregor or Brown.

CalMac has lifted 22 trophies in green and white. And counting.

Connor Goldson feels Celtic know how to treat their legends, unlike Rangers

Broony, meanwhile, has also been crowned with silverware 22 times.

So for Goldson to use the Celtic legends’ names when defending his old pal is questionable to say the least.

Tavernier has come in for serious criticism across the city for his lack of numbers this season so far while his all-round form has been poor.

So fans and pundits have had their say with many demanding he be moved on either in January or at the end of the season with this campaign being used as his Light Blues swansong.

McGregor and Brown are in a different stratosphere to Rangers’ captain

And that is where former defender Goldson – now plying his trade with Aris Limassol in Cyprus – believes his mate is being mistreated as Celtic would never think of ousting either of their icons over a lack of form.

“I don’t see Celtic getting rid of Callum McGregor or Scott Brown before him when they have a bad few months,” he told the Daily Record.

“They understand these boys know the culture and drive the new signings to who they become.

“It will only be when Tav leaves that he gets the respect he deserves.”