Ex-Carlisle United man James Tavernier leads Rangers to Europa League final after beating RB Leipzig

James Tavernier got the first goal as the Ibrox club defeated RB Leipzig 3-1.

It was enough for a 3-2 victory and a place in the final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.

The man who was on loan at Brunton Park in the 2011/12 season opened the scoring in the 18th minute to wipe out the Germans' first-leg lead.

He converted a cross from Ryan Kent to beat Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi.

Glen Kamara added a second and, after Christpher Nkunku levelled the aggregate scores for the visitors, John Lundstram struck ten minutes from time to send the home crowd into raptures.

Tavernier in action for Carlisle in 2011 (photo: Louise Porter)

It sealed a place in the May 18 final with Eintracht Frankfurt beating West Ham United 3-1 on aggregate to join Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Rangers in Seville.

Tavernier's goal last night was his 16th of the season and his seventh in Rangers' Europa League run - putting him in line for the competition's golden boot award. 

The 30-year-old right-back dedicated last night's victory to long-serving Rangers kitman Jimmy Bell, who died on Tuesday, and the legendary late former manager Walter Smith.

“We wanted to do it for Jimmy. He [Bell] will be looking down proud - so will Walter on all of us. It’s for them. I’m absolutely delighted," Tavernier told BT Sport after the game.

James Tavernier leads post-match celebrations at Ibrox (photo: PA)

“We are through to the final. It's unbelievable.

"It was a tough test but an unbelievable feeling to be in a European final - it’s what you dream of."

Tavernier made 17 United appearances under Greg Abbott in 2011 during a loan spell from Newcastle United.

He has also played for Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Shrrewsbury Town, Rotherham United, Wigan Athletic and Bristol City.