Rangers: Todd Cantwell team news prediction made v Celtic, Nicolas Raskin verdict also emerges
We’re delighted to welcome Tam McManus as our exclusive Rangers columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Tam McManus expects Todd Cantwell to start against Celtic on Saturday when Rangers travel to Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership.
Michael Beale faced major criticism after he left the 25-year-old out of his starting line-up for the Viaplay Cup final defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park in February.
Cantwell has since started every match and has contributed with a goal and an assist in each of his last two Scottish Premiership appearances.
While McManus believes Cantwell is nailed on to start at Celtic Park on 8 April, he feels Nicolas Raskin will only be thrown into the side if he’s recovered from an injury that’s ruled him out of the last two matches.
Speaking to Ibrox News, McManus said: “If Raskin’s fit, he plays.
“I think Cantwell will play too because Beale took a lot of criticism for not starting him in the final against Celtic when they were overrun in the middle of the park.
“I think he’ll play two young-gun new signings because he’ll need energy in there, he’ll need pace because Celtic have got so much of that in the middle of the park.
“If Raskin’s fit, he definitely starts.”
It remains to be seen whether Raskin will be available to play against Celtic.
However, it would be fair to say that the Gers would be worse off without the 22-year-old Belgian, who’s made seven appearances for the club in all competitions since his arrival from Standard Liege in January.
In other Rangers news, this Ibrox coach is being tipped to leave Govan for a “big club in England” as managerial speculation emerges south of the border.