RANGERS have never lost their faith in James Tavernier. Just as importantly, Tavernier never lost his faith in Rangers.

The relationship between player and support has been strained at times over the last six seasons but the bonds have never been stronger than they are today.

The success that they share and savour in these times of celebration dwarfs the agonies that were endured in the making of a triumph that is historic for the club and defining for those who have made the dream a reality.

There must surely have been times along the way where Tavernier feared he was in the right place at the wrong time as Rangers toiled under the guidance of Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty.

But the appointment of Steven Gerrard has been transformative at Ibrox and the Rangers captain would commit his future to the club just weeks after a 55th Premiership title was secured.

That deal will take Tavernier to nine seasons in Glasgow. They will go down as the best of his career and will not be forgotten thanks to everything he has gone through, both on and off the park.

Glasgow Times: James Tavernier (L) and Steven Gerrard

“Yeah definitely," he said when asked if he felt like he had found a home at Rangers.

"I said in the first couple of seasons that Rangers had given myself and my family that foundation where I was enjoying my football and playing football.

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

"Before that I was on loans and getting called back, not really playing proper football. Rangers is the first club that had the faith in me to give me that platform.

"I will always pay Rangers back for that and I’m loving what I’m doing at the minute so I just have to continue working hard and see what happens.

"I am delighted the club and the gaffer put faith in me to extend my deal. I am really, really happy at this time.

"I always had faith. A club of this magnitude, this size, you see the trophy cabinet and realise they’re known for success.

"It’s been a very tricky time since I’ve been here, a bit of a rollercoaster. But, every step the way, there have always been improvements.

"And ever since the gaffer has come in the door, the improvements have stepped up massively.

Glasgow Times: Rangers' James Tavernier (centre) celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Tannadice Park

"Not just the squad but around the place, everything has improved – and it’s put us on another platform.

"So that’s why I’m delighted to extend my deal, because I can see the potential of where this club can be."

There are few members of Gerrard's squad to whom the Premiership title will mean more this season than the man that will lift the silverware at Ibrox next month.

Tavernier's time in Glasgow has given him an appreciation of just what Rangers is all about and an understanding of why 55 is so significant to a support that have been through even more than he has in recent years.

His place in the history of the club will be a unique one and he is thankful for the support that he has had from so many along the way as he has finally become a champion.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard identifies two key James Tavernier qualities that can't be questioned after new Ibrox deal

Tavernier said: "Definitely John Greig was a good mentor when I was going through things in the early days.

"I would see him after every single game, have a chat with him. He’d normally give us some stick – he was always quick to do that!

Glasgow Times: James Tavernier and Nathan Patterson of Rangers celebrate following their team's victory in the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St. Mirren

"But he’s such a great man, he was obviously voted the Greatest Ever Ranger, so he’s someone you’re always going to listen to and take advice from.

"The likes of Jimmy Bell and Disco (David Lavery) who have been here for such a long time have helped.

"Then there’s my family and close friends. It’s people like that who have really settled us in. Before I moved up here, you knew how big Rangers was.

Glasgow Times: Rangers captain James Tavernier warms up with his team mates. Photo: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire.

"But you don’t really realise it until you’re actually in amongst it, understand how quickly you need to adapt to it. All of those people gave me a great helping hand in doing that."

It was evident early on this term that it could be a special season for Rangers and Gerrard's side now stand on the brink of an unbeaten Premiership campaign and a league and Scottish Cup double.

Tavernier made his return from a knee injury in the draw with St Johnstone in midweek and will lead the champions out at Ibrox on Sunday as they face Callum Davidson's side once again.

These are the opportunities Tavernier always wanted when he made the move from Wigan six years ago. Now he is determined to make the most of them in the coming weeks.

“It means the world," Tavernier said. "I am just extremely proud of how well we have done this season. I have always known it was there.

"I think it was a case of just getting that consistency this season compared to last season and we have applied ourselves really well. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

"There was maybe a little dip when we got beaten by St Mirren in the cup but other than that I am extremely proud of the boys and what they have done even when I’ve been out of the team with my injury. They have taken it over the line and just continued to push on and push on.

“There was never an indication that was I was going to miss the full season it was just something I had to be patient with.

"Obviously you can’t rush knee injuries you just have to be patient with them.

"The doc and the physios have been working tirelessly with me to try to get me back in the best shape possible.

"They’ve done that so credit to them, I thank them very much for that. It’s now about me getting back on the pitch and enjoying what I do.”