BBC Sport pundit shocked by Philippe Clement treatment of ‘poor’ Todd Cantwell in Rangers draw with Aris Limassol
Kenny Miller was shocked to see Philippe Clement drag Todd Cantwell off before half time with Rangers trailing at home to Aris Limassol.
The BBC pundit reacted live on Sportsound, as per the BBC Sport live-blog, to admit he was “surprised” by the decision to substitute the English midfielder for Ross McCausland despite a “poor” first half.
Former Norwich man Cantwell was hooked minutes after losing possession in the build-up to the visitors’ 28th-minute opener as various Gers players underperformed, and Miller highlighted how much of a powerful statement the Belgian had made.
Miller said: “I have to say I am surprised. Not surprised in the respect that Todd Cantwell has been poor in the first half.
“But that is a big, big call to make after 35 minutes. I could have been any one of three or four players.”
Bruised ego
Things aren’t going well right now for Cantwell as he struggles to reprise the outstanding form he was producing towards the end of last season.
In a generally disappointing campaign so far he has been a long way short of his best, and even as others have improved markedly with Clement’s arrival it largely hasn’t been the case for the 25-year-old.
A continuation of his ongoing war of words with Chris Sutton, and heavy condemnation of an admittedly poor dive in the draw at Aberdeen at the weekend, haven’t done much for his general reputation outside the club.
But for Clement to single him out as the man to blame above all for a dismal first half showing suggests support might be wearing thin at Ibrox too.
In fairness to Cantwell he was at least getting on the ball and looking like he might help produce something in a scruffy opening 45 minutes, where Sam Lammers and Jose Cifuentes were both arguably far worse.
The new manager has got a lot right since he took over from Michael Beale but he has to take responsibility for his team selection, with the selection of Lammers over both McCausland and Tom Lawrence a baffling one.
In other Rangers news, a possible January Gers signing has admitted his current club might be looking to force him out in the transfer window.