Todd Cantwell is set to return to Rangers starting XI ‘going forward’ after being dropped v Kilmarnock
Todd Cantwell is likely to start the remainder of the season after being dropped for new signing Sam Lammers against Kilmarnock, according to Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review.
Barrie claimed (7 August) that while Lammers did not have the best debut on Saturday (5 August), there is space in the squad for both creative players and that both players could complement each other’s game.
However, he also noted that Michael Beale may be having regrets about dropping the 25-year-old and believes he will return to the starting XI for the rest of the campaign.
When asked if Lammers replacing Cantwell in the side would impact the football negatively, Barrie said: “It shouldn’t because Rangers have room for more than one creative profile. Lammers is often at his best with his back to goal and that could allow Cantwell more freedom to run beyond, break from midfield and play facing forwards.
“Also, remember the January signing played some of his best football in that deeper midfield role after arriving from Norwich. Reflecting on Saturday’s game in isolation, Beale may have some regrets about not starting Cantwell because of Lammers’ limited impact and what he missed from last season’s standout.
“On the basis of pre-season, the Dutch forward deserved his inclusion from the off but he wasn’t able to influence proceedings. I’d be surprised if there are many teamsheets without Todd Cantwell’s name in the starting 11 this season going forward.”
Patience needed
While the expectations from Rangers fans are always very high, perhaps patience will be required for the start of this season.
With so many new faces through the door, including Danilo and Cyriel Dessers, Lammers will have a little while to settle into Scottish football after his move from Atalanta.
Barrie’s suggestion that both Cantwell and Lammers could play well together is exciting news for Rangers fans. Lammers’ strength means he is adept at holding the ball up, which could allow the speedy Cantwell to latch onto his passes.
However, this will all take time to bed and Beale has a lot of pressure on him to make this work after the club’s heavy investment this summer. Cantwell has been a staple of the Rangers’ since he joined from Norwich in January, scoring six goals and claiming three assists in 16 games.
His influence is still really important, but the new signings have the potential to have a similar, if not greater, impact on Rangers.
Beale is unlikely to drop him now and faced great criticism for it before their season opener. Sportscene pundit Neil McCann questioned his decision on Saturday (5 August) when he said: “There’s a lot of games for Rangers, and he’s chosen for the likes of Cantwell not to start today which was a surprise for me, but there’s a lot of football coming up, no doubt Rangers will get better, but they can’t keep dropping points early in the season.”
The pressure has met Beale on day one, but Cantwell’s surprise exclusion looks to be an isolated incident.
In other Rangers news, BBC pundit Kenny Miller has shared his title prediction following the Gers’ opening-day defeat.