Kenny Miller slams ‘petulant’ Todd Cantwell after incident in Rangers win over Livingston
Kenny Miller has slammed Todd Cantwell, describing the Rangers star as “petulant” during the Light Blues’ win over Livingston on Sunday 12 November.
Philippe Clement’s side headed into the November international break with the Belgian’s unbeaten record intact having come away with a 2-0 win at the Tony Macaroni Arena, thanks to goals from Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier.
Cantwell was dropped to the bench by the Rangers boss, with Tom Lawrence and Ross McCausland preferred in attacking midfield and Miller was quick to criticise the 25-year-old for a “petulant” push on James Penrice late in the second half.
Speaking on Sky Sports (12 November, 13:48) he said: “He just gets involved in these situations where he doesn’t need to. Even last season when he came, little booking for pushing people and nudges.
“It’s just petulant. He doesn’t need to get involved in this kind of carry-on. It’s a free-kick. Firstly he’s given the ball away, then he’s pushed him over.
“There’s no need for Todd Cantwell to be getting involved in these situations.”
Petulance
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to Rangers supporters to see Cantwell fly into challenges and enter petulant shoving matches in almost every game as it has been a staple of his game ever since he arrived in Glasgow in January.
But the midfielder has to be careful as his recent disciplinary record is worrying. Despite only starting four Scottish Premiership matches this season, the 25-year-old has already registered three yellow cards and should he continue in this vein he will be facing a suspension sooner rather than later.
Cantwell has so much talent, but fails to utilise it often enough and instead draws attention to himself with his moments of naivety that you would expect to see from a 19-year-old making his first start, not from a now experienced midfielder.
Sadly, after he was introduced with 12 minutes on the clock on Sunday. His only real involvement was his minor scrap and the subsequent yellow card. Given Clement is renowned as a perfectionist, he is unlikely to be pleased by the midfielder’s actions.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton aimed a sly dig at McCausland after he went down easily in the first half against Livingston