JAMES Tavernier could tonight become the first Bradfordian to lift a European trophy.

Tavernier will captain Rangers in their Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville.

The 30-year-old is believed to have been born in Wrose before moving to Leeds at the age of eight when younger brother Marcus was born.

He started off as a youngster playing for Farsley Celtic, initially as a goalkeeper, before joining the Leeds academy.

Tavernier moved to Newcastle in 2008 where he made his senior debut in a League Cup defeat against Peterborough the following year.

He had a loan spell under Greg Abbott at Carlisle and further stints with Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons, Shrewsbury and Rotherham – winning promotion with the Millers in 2014.

Tavernier joined Wigan for the following season and was loaned out to Bristol City, where he won promotion from League One for the second year running. He also scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of City at Valley Parade.

The right back signed for Rangers boss Mark Warburton that summer and was handed the club captaincy by Steven Gerrard in 2018. He is the longest-serving current player at Ibrox.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s final, Tavernier admitted it is a delight to lead out the team for such a special occasion.

"It means the world to me,” he said. “I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the great team behind me and the boss directing me.

"We are obviously one step away and we all want to make history and bring that cup back home. I have just got to make sure I am the best version of myself and try and lead by example on the pitch.

"Come matchday we know one another, and we will go to the death for one another. In any situation I know the boys will prevail and the mental character of every single one of them will shine through.”