By Anthony Onifade

26th Apr, 2023 | 7:40pm

Neil Lennon blasts Todd Cantwell in negative Rangers rant

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon took a swipe at Rangers duo Todd Cantwell and Ryan Kent stating Michael Beale’s squad is nowhere as strong as Ange Postecoglou’s at Celtic.

The Glasgow rivals face off at Hampden on Sunday [30 April] with Celtic chasing the chance of a treble while Rangers look for their first silverware and win over the Hoops under Michael Beale’s management.

And Lennon, speaking to PLZ Soccer Football Show [25 April] believes it’s make or break time for the former QPR manager singling out a lack of pace as well as underwhelming displays from some of his biggest stars including January signing Cantwell.

He said: “If Michael wants to win a trophy if the players want to win a trophy and stop Celtic from winning a Treble, they have to win this game. By hook or by crook, he’s got to find a way of not outplaying Celtic – because that’s a difficult thing to do – but outwork them, be more physical within the laws of the game, and try to keep a clean sheet.

“The goals they conceded at Celtic Park were poor. I’m not sure (about their lineup). There’s a lack of pace in the team at times. Goldson coming in might make a difference, he’ll be big for them but he’s had his injury problems.

“Cantwell hasn’t really lit anything up, Kent’s been very inconsistent for the talent that he should have. It’s going to be difficult, they’re going to have to dig deep, cut out the noise and concentrate on the game.

“They’re capable of it but they need to recover from Aberdeen and look at where they can catch Celtic off guard. Eventually, if Michael doesn’t get it right, people are going to ask questions. Or maybe Celtic are just better and he needs another transfer window to build a team.”

Baffling

Lennon’s criticism of Cantwell is incredibly baffling given the tremendous influence he’s had on his new teammates, especially after just three months of joining Rangers.

The former Norwich City man has impressively recorded two goals and four assists from 11 Scottish Premiership games and averages 1.6 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per game [WhoScored] showcasing just how crucial and effective he’s been in the final third.

However, Kent has struggled to make his mark in recent weeks, still scoring just three goals all season and with his Rangers career likely to come to an end, Beale will need him at his brilliant best if they are to claim any kind of success this weekend.

Certainly, Beale will be disappointed by how much he’s team has been outclassed in previous games against Celtic but he certainly possesses the tools to cause a stir on Sunday [30 April] with the likes of Fashion Sakala, Kent and Alfredo Morelos all holding differing qualities.

Celtic are indeed favourites for the cup final, but Lennon is right in the fact that Rangers must finally pull their weight both tactically and physically if they are to triumph over their fierce rivals.

It is certainly make-or-break time for Beale and Sunday is a chance to finally prove they can challenge Celtic for trophies under his stewardship.

In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist delivers a ‘phenomenal’ verdict live on talkSPORT amid latest Gers transfer news.