The captain, who was also benched during the league win over St Mirren last month, came off in the 67th minute at Hampden and was then sidelined for Thursday’s game in Greece.
It is impossible to say whether or not the result would have been different if Tavernier had started, but what is clear is that both Sterling and Kasanwirjo can be satisfied with their defensive performances against a disappointing Olympiakos attack.
Clement hailed their “really solid” defense and praised his midfield for playing its part in the draw, which meant Rangers are now unbeaten in their last five away games in the Europa League, equaling their longest run in the competition history.
The clearest sign of where Clement places Tavernier in his pecking order will now come on Sunday when Hearts visit Ibrox, but the Belgian insisted he wanted to see leadership come 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-up to Tavernier’s bench.
“If you [get to] At a certain age you can’t play 60 games at the same level. We knew it before the season and we talked about it.
“It’s about competition for places. It’s about a team winning together. That’s what Rangers are: one team, one family, chasing one goal.”
