Todd Cantwell prediction issued for St Mirren after Philippe Clement move as ‘dreadful’ Sam Lammers ‘defies belief’ at Rangers
Sam Lammers’ lack of impact for Rangers “defies belief” after another “dreadful” performance in the 1-1 draw with Aris Limassol, according to Derek Clark.
The Rangers Review journalist reacted the morning after (1 December) the controversy over Todd Cantwell’s first-half withdrawal at Ibrox on Thursday, defending the out-of-position midfielder in comparison to the summer signing.
Cantwell was hauled off after 35 minutes by Philippe Clement having played him out wide with Lammers through the middle, and Clark expects the Englishman at number 10 or out of the XI entirely for the visit of St Mirren on Sunday (3 December), but suggested the Dutchman was far worse in the Europa League draw.
Clark said (10m 15s): “On Cantwell, I can’t see him playing there on Sunday. If he’s not playing centrally I think he doesn’t play at all for me.
“I know he’s not on form at this moment in time and the crowd were getting frustrated that he did lose the ball on a number of occasions.
“But he wasn’t anywhere near as bad as Sam Lammers. I was surprised he stayed on the pitch after half time, I’ve got to be honest, because that was another dreadful showing from him.
“Rangers need so much more from him it defies belief.”
Harsh but fair
It is easy to simply pile on Lammers as a lightning rod for criticism during a difficult period for Rangers, even though he has been dismal, so Clement himself has to share the blame for playing him over more effective options.
Clearly the former Atalanta man is struggling and it is no exaggeration to suggest he should have been the first man off during a pretty dreadful first half in Europe.
Cantwell equally has to take responsibility for some performances this season that have been well below his best.
But the ex-Norwich man at least has the excuse of being played out of position, and bafflingly so when Ross McCausland and Rabbi Matondo were available, with the youngster coming on to equalise against the Cypriots.
That his best position is in fact the one where Lammers is offering so little can only add to Cantwell’s frustration, although there is plenty of blame to go around in this situation.
Lammers’ confidence looks shot, and perhaps that’s no surprise as boos rained down from the Ibrox stands when he was left on the pitch, but there is little surprise that fans are also frustrated by a squad that looks to be reverting to type once more.
In other Rangers news, one pundit claimed he would be “extremely worried” to be a Light Blues supporter after what he saw at Ibrox.