The captain, who was also benched for the league win over St Mirren last month, came off on the 67th minute at Hampden and was then dropped for Thursday’s game in Greece.
It is impossible to say whether the result would have been different or not had Tavernier started, but what is clear is both Sterling and Kasanwirjo can be pleased with their defensive displays against a disappointing Olympiakos attack.
Clement hailed his “really solid” defence and heaped praise on his midfield for playing their parts in the draw, which meant Rangers are now unbeaten in their last five away Europa League matches – equalling their longest such run in the competition’s history.
The clearest sign on where Clement ranks Tavernier in his pecking order will now come on Sunday when Hearts visit Ibrox, but the Belgian insisted he wanted to see leadership coming from more than just one player.
“It’s never an easy decision, but I want more than one captain in the group,” the Rangers boss said of his call to bench Tavernier.
“If you [get to] a certain age you can’t play 60 games at the same level. We knew that before the season and we spoke about that.
“It’s about competition for spots. It’s about one team, winning together. That’s Rangers – one team, one family, going for one goal.”
