Todd Cantwell exit from Rangers speculation emerges after Ibrox development on Thursday
Todd Cantwell has become a rather frustrated figure during his tenure at Rangers since making the switch to Scotland in January 2023.
The former Norwich City and Bournemouth midfielder has made just 37 appearances in almost a year at the club, scoring on just seven occasions and has fallen out of favour with the Ibrox faithful due to his sloppy performances this season.
Philippe Clement hooking the 25-year-old after 36 minutes on Thursday night in the 1-1 draw against Aris Limassol in the Europa League has strengthened suspicion that he may not be a Rangers player for too much longer.
“It’s never good for any player when they’re hooked before half-time,” the Daily Record began on Friday (1 December, page 57). “And after Todd Cantwell suffered that fate against Aris, it raises doubts on his future under Philippe Clement at Rangers.
“The midfielder is clearly not happy being deployed on the right wing. His sloppy giving up of possession last night cost Rangers the opening goal. Clement showed he won’t stand for it.”
Shown up by a kid
Cantwell may have been unhappy with the role he was asked to play last night. His cutting into midfield and refusing to stay wide was clear evidence of that, while it also meant that Jose Cifuentes was forced to occupy the gap he left.
If the manager asks you to play a certain way, you do it.
Deservedly, the midfielder-turned-winger was taken off without hesitation by Clement as he continued to disobey his orders and gave up possession in the lead-up to the Aris opener.
Should Ross McCausland, Cantwell’s replacement, have started the game? It’s tough to say, with the Europa League a nerving spectacle for an inexperienced 20-year-old. But the Northern Ireland youngster’s display will have given the 25-year-old much to think about as speculation grows over his future at the club.
It is unlikely that Cantwell stays at Ibrox for much longer, with McCausland growing into the role and the central midfield role usually designated to Tom Lawrence or Sam Lammers.
Even if he does not leave in the January transfer window, it could be a difficult problem to work out with Clement. An apology for his attitude will only go so far for the Englishman, with him now needing to prove that he can do what is asked of him when called upon.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit admitted he was shocked by what he saw the manager do during the disappointing draw.