Half-time at Ibrox on Sunday was a new and unpleasant experience for the Rangers players as they were finally introduced to the Steven Gerrard hairdryer treatment.

Goalless after a sluggish opening 45-minute performance, the former Liverpool and England captain’s anger had the desired effect as his much-improved side ran out convincing 3-0 winners over Wigan Athletic.

For James Tavernier, the exacting standards demanded in all matches by the Champions League-winning Gerrard will only aid the Ibrox side’s quest to win their first major silverware in seven years.

James Tavernier admitted Steven Gerrard showed his angry side against Wigan

The Rangers captain admits he was relieved to see his new boss display his temper during a pre-season friendly rather than exploding during a competitive game, although the squad all now know exactly what awaits them should they be slow to start in their big Premiership kick-off at Aberdeen on Sunday.

‘The Wigan game was the first I’d seen the manager as angry but it was deserved after the first half,’ said Tavernier.

‘We knew it was always going to come out at some point. He’s always been a strong leader.

‘We all know his history as captain of Liverpool and England and he’s always said if we need a kick up the backside then we will get it.

‘Is it better that it’s happened in a friendly than in a league match? Yes, but that’s just the standards he sets us.

‘The manager has raised standards on and off the park at this club and the quality level has gone up as a result. It worked on Sunday and in the first 20 minutes of the second half against Wigan we were a different team.

The Rangers manager gave his side the hairdryer treatment after a sluggish first half

‘Whether it’s a friendly or a league match, standards are always high and we always want to win.

‘And against Wigan we didn’t come out of the blocks as we wanted to in a home game.

‘We waited for the game to come to us, which we shouldn’t be doing.’

Tavernier comes across as a laid-back, confident character. But after being named by Gerrard as the new captain of Rangers last month, the 26-year-old admits he, too, can also lose his temper in pursuit of footballing perfection.

‘I’ve lost my head sometimes — I always want the best on the pitch,’ he said.

‘We shouldn’t need the gaffer to give us a kick up the backside. We should be doing it ourselves.

‘It’s down to man-management. You know the players who can take a kick up the backside and you know those players who need an arm around their shoulder.

‘It’s about understanding your team-mates. And if it does need me, or Connor Goldson or Scott Arfield to speak out, then we will all have our say.’

Tavernier succeeded Lee Wallace as Ibrox captain when he was called into the office at the club’s training base by Gerrard in June.

Wallace had been skipper since 2015 but remains embroiled in a dispute with the club as he contests a fine following a dressing-room altercation with former interim Rangers manager Graeme Murty.

While the circumstances were awkward, Tavernier has Wallace’s blessing and he is hoping to succeed where his predecessor could not by helping the club win major silverware.

‘It’s a proud moment to be leading Rangers into the new season on Sunday,’ said right-back Tavernier.

Tavernier is delighted with the opportunity to captain Rangers and feels honoured

‘One of my ambitions when I first came here was to hopefully one day captain the club and the gaffer has given me that opportunity.

‘He’s put his faith in me and I’m totally honoured.I had a big smile when the gaffer and Gary McAllister spoke to me in the office that day.

‘We just had a chat and I did not have an inkling about what he was going to say. It blew me away. I had a massive smile on my face straight away.

‘It’s something I will always remember. I was excited to tell my wife and my mum straight away.

‘I’ve always respected Lee Wallace and seen him as a leader in our camp and someone to go to. I still do.

‘So one of the first things I did was speak to Waldo and he gave me his blessing. He’s a great character and we’ve always been good friends. He was totally understanding and he backed me all the way.

‘There are other leaders I can speak to, like the gaffer, who was captain of Liverpool and England, so I’ve got lots of people around me if I need help.

‘It’s exciting times taking this responsibility on. There’s always expectations that come with Rangers and there’s a lot of media attention with the gaffer coming in.

‘But we feel more than ready to cope with everything that comes our way.’

Gerrard's side came out after half time against Wigan and scored three unanswered goals

Tavernier’s first time skippering Rangers in a league match will come at a sold-out Pittodrie on Sunday.

Last season, Rangers took ten points from 12 in league meetings with Derek McInnes’ side and the Ibrox full-back is hoping that run continues.

‘It’s an exciting start and Aberdeen away on the first day gets it over and done with. We are looking forward to it,’ he said.

‘We had a good head-to-head record against Aberdeen last season but it’s obviously different teams this season. Hopefully we will have a good battle and we can come out on top.

‘You always try and set the standards from the very first game of the season.

‘In the past, we’ve sometimes not got the results we’ve wanted on the opening day of the season but we want to go up there to Pittodrie and get the three points.’