BBC Sport pundit raves over ‘magnificent’ under-pressure Todd Cantwell for Rangers in win over St Mirren
Todd Cantwell’s assist for Abadallah Sima’s second goal was “magnificent” as Rangers rebounded to win against St Mirren, according to Steven Thompson.
The BBC pundit reacted live on Sportsound during the game on 3 December to the under-pressure Englishman’s contribution, as he slid a perfect pass beyond the visiting defence to leave his on-loan teammate clear to slide his second calmly into the far corner and secure the points.
Cantwell was infamously substituted before half time by Philippe Clement during the 1-1 draw with Aris Limassol in midweek and has been well short of his best this season, but the second of his two assists was a clear reminder of his quality when fielded in his preferred position.
Thompson said (4.30pm): “You’ve got to give Todd Cantwell so much credit here for the pass through to Sima. Cantwell receives the ball just after the centre-circle, gets turned.
“They’re checking it for a possible offside but he plays a magnificent pass through, defence-splitting pass through, to Sima who’s one on one with Zach Hemming.
“He shows tremendous composure to just poke it beyond him into the left-hand bottom corner. 2-0, no way back for St Mirren now.”
Timely
It could have been a sliding doors moment for Rangers in the wake of Cantwell being, perhaps unintentionally, the scapegoat for a dismal first-half showing in the Europa League.
Many supporters were unhappy that the ex-Norwich man had been sacrificed instead of Sam Lammers on the night and it may have threatened to derail his season even further.
Crucially Clement showed faith in him again at the first opportunity and, perhaps more importantly, didn’t expect him to produce out wide as Ross McCausland instead shone in his natural position again.
Cantwell was still a long way short of his absolute best and did appear to be lacking in some confidence, but his role in the opener just before the break had a positive effect and he grew in the second 45.
The slide-rule pass for Sima ended the threat of St Mirren catching Rangers on the break in a game that was largely straight-forward but still not safe, and surely secures his spot in the line-up for now.
There is still a great deal that needs to improve at Ibrox for Clement but if he can unlock Cantwell it would be hugely beneficial with some vital games on the horizon, against Real Betis in Europe, the League Cup final against Aberdeen, and the new manager’s first meeting with Celtic.
In other Rangers news, Clement “definitely” has a list of at least five players who can leave the club.