Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin axed for Rangers v Celtic as BBC Scotland pundit shares verdict
Kenny Miller believes Rangers manager Michael Beale will axe January signings Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin from his starting line-up for the Viaplay Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden Park.
The Gers lock horns with their Old Firm rivals on Sunday (26 February) in Beale’s first chance to win silverware since becoming manager at Ibrox.
Writing for the Sunday Mail (26 February, pages 62 and 63), BBC Scotland pundit Miller predicted that Beale would play Malik Tillman over Cantwell if he is fit enough to start and side with experience in midfield instead of Raskin.
“The one big decision for Michael will come in the midfield because he has a raft of options to choose from,” he wrote, alongside a photo of his predicted starting line-up.
“Nico Raskin has done well since arriving at the club and does offer something different. But this is his first Old Firm game, his first cup final in Scotland and that’s why I think he’ll be used from the bench.
“If Malik Tillman is passed fit, he starts in the more advanced midfield role. Michael really likes him. If Tillman plays, Todd Cantwell is out and will have to settle for a sub spot.”
Tough decisions
Beale’s strength in depth is clear for all to see, and both Raskin and Cantwell would be unlucky to miss out on this huge match at Hampden Park.
Both players have settled into life at Ibrox since their respective January transfers and have been extremely impressive when called upon by their manager. The unbeaten record that Beale has maintained since his arrival is partly down to this depth and the options he has to impact a game with his substitutions.
Although Cantwell and Raskin might not start the game, they will certainly be called upon at some point in the encounter. Both players have the ability to unlock a defence with a single pass, and if the Gers fall behind early on, this could prove crucial to finding a route back into the game.
Unfortunately for ex-Norwich City player Cantwell, Tillman has been one of Rangers’ best players this season and must start the game if he is fit enough to start.
In other Rangers news, the club have pulled off one transfer coup by signing a player on a free that European giants have been after.