Sam Stone

Mon 20 March 2023 20:10, UK

Tam McManus believes Todd Cantwell was the reason Callum Slattery was sent off during Rangers’ 4-2 Scottish Premiership win over Motherwell at Fir Park.

Goals from James Tavernier, Fashion Sakala, Malik Tillman and the former Norwich man saw Michael Beale’s side to another three points on Saturday afternoon (18 March).

However, McManus was less than impressed with a “disappointing” moment from the January signing after he was involved in an incident which saw Slattery given his marching orders in the 76th minute.

“He’s caught him. I don’t think there’s a lot in it. I think Cantwell’s reaction is disappointing. I think he’s got him sent off,” said the former Hibernian forward (PLZ Football Show, 08m 03s, 20 March).

“He has swung an arm to protect himself and he’s caught him.”

Part of the game

Unfortunately for McManus, Cantwell’s theatrics are part of the modern game. Players need to utilise the ‘dark arts’ to gain a competitive edge and that’s exactly what the former Norwich man did. Slattery shouldn’t have given the 25-year-old the chance to make a meal of the incident.

The travelling support would’ve been extremely encouraged by the attacking midfielder’s performance. He was a thorn in the side of Motherwell throughout the fixture at Fir Park. It’s early days but Cantwell could prove to be an excellent pickup moving forward.

There’s been plenty of criticism aimed at the board, but if Beale’s January business is anything to go by, then there should be plenty of excitement heading into the summer trading period.

All eyes are on the board ahead of what will be an essential transfer window. They simply cannot afford to get their business wrong. The gap to Celtic is already big enough and positive decision-making is required to bring consistent silverware back to Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, the board should now be feeling the pressure after images emerge from stands in 4-2 win over Motherwell.