Rangers: Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant clash live on air over Todd Cantwell ‘problem’ at Ibrox
Barry Ferguson and Peter Grant have clashed live on air over Todd Cantwell’s role at Rangers, with Grant believing it is Philippe Clement’s only “problem” at Ibrox.
The attacking midfielder has started four times since the Belgian took over from Michael Beale in Glasgow and most recently was deployed on the right wing, with Sam Lammers preferred to operate as the number 10 behind Danilo.
While the 25-year-old picked up a goal from the right in the Czech Republic, Grant believes that Clement must look to play Cantwell more centrally in the future, but Ferguson was impressed by his performance in an unfamiliar role.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show (15 November) Grant said: “The one problem he has got is the Cantwell situation. When I look at him on the right-hand side for me that is the only position I wouldn’t play him.
“I think wee McCausland comes on and looks better than him and more exciting in that position. Cantwell on the right is not sitting right, even if you played Lammers in that position with Cantwell in the middle.”
Ferguson was quick to disagree saying: “In his defence, I was at the game last Thursday and he was very good on the right-hand side.
“It was interesting to hear his interview after the game – it was the first time that he has played in that position. It was interesting to see him start there and his reaction to playing there.”
Can play there
Undoubtedly, Cantwell would be best deployed in the number 10 position and that is likely where the Englishman would prefer to start games from under Clement, but it is almost one of the most competed-for positions in the Rangers squad currently.
The 25-year-old impressed from the right flank against Sparta Prague, not only did he pick up a goal, he completed all 18 of his attempted passes, won four free-kicks and created a single chance for his teammates, all when supposedly playing out of position.
Ross McCausland did perform excellently on the right-hand side against Livingston and showed that he is more than capable of replacing Cantwell and thriving from the right wing, but the two players could not be more different in style and approach.
Clement is a perfectionist, but is also clear he expects hard work from his players. Part of that may include players being forced to play in new or unfamiliar positions to get regular minutes. Although Cantwell is a very good player and showed under Beale just how good he can be, the same rules apply to him as everyone else.
Having competition for places is an excellent problem for Clement to be facing so early in his Rangers tenure.
In other Rangers news, Fraser Wilson has called on Ibrox investors to dig deep and back Clement in the January transfer window