Todd Cantwell ‘must be included’ in Rangers starting XI after display v Sparta Prague – Chris Jack
Chris Jack has said that Todd Cantwell “must be included” in Philippe Clement’s starting XI at Rangers, following his display against Sparta Prague.
The Englishman scored his first goal of the season with a fantastic left-footed effort midway through the first half to set the Light Blues on their way to a crucial Europa League win and boost their chances of qualification for the knockout stages.
Having recovered from an injury sustained earlier in the season, the 25-year-old looks to be closing in on full fitness and Jack believes that he must start every game at Ibrox, even if he is forced to play out of his usual position.
Writing for the Rangers Review (9 November) he said: “Cantwell’s goal was a moment of proper quality, relying on the run of Lammers to create a through ball for Danilo and then using Gomez’s recovering momentum against him to chop inside and find the far corner.
“Tonight was an example that yes, Cantwell can play from the right, especially in a match with space where he’s afforded positional freedom. Whatever line-up Clement selects, a Cantwell getting closer to full fitness must be included.”
Back to his best
Throughout the early stages of the campaign, it’s safe to say we haven’t seen the best of Cantwell in a Rangers shirt, but there was plenty of quality on show last season to demonstrate that he is capable of being the difference maker in Clement’s side.
Although he is currently being deployed in a wider role with Sam Lammers preferred in the number 10 position, he is still managing to impact matches at crucial times, as demonstrated by his excellent touch and finish to find the net on Thursday.
The 25-year-old may not be completely up to speed, as shown by his substitution with 20 minutes left to play, but with another international break on the horizon, the Englishman will have another few weeks to build his fitness and move closer to completing a full 90 minutes.
There are very few players in the Scottish Premiership as capable of advancing their side up the pitch and drawing fouls from their opponents. against Sparta Prague, no player won more free kicks than Cantwell with four and he also competed all 18 of his attempted passes.
Hopefully, this is the first step on the road back to seeing the best of Cantwell.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist was quick to heap praise on Danilo for a “top class” moment against Sparta Prague