Philippe Clement and Rangers squad have to manage 'hot-headed' exit-linked Todd Cantwell
Todd Cantwell has "a lot to like" about him and needs Rangers players and staff to manage his emotions, says Derek Ferguson.
Rangers Review reported on 3 July that the former Norwich City midfielder was expected to leave this summer, having seemingly had a difficult relationship with manager Philippe Clement since the start of their time together [Daily Record, 4 December].
But Ferguson has already advocated for keeping the Englishman at Ibrox instead and has placed some responsibility on those around him at the club to help channel him in the right direction.
Cantwell, 26, has often courted controversy in Scotland and was recently criticised by Leanne Crichton for getting involved in skirmishes with Celtic players in the Scottish Cup final defeat [BBC, 25 May, 4.38pm].
Ferguson exclusively told Ibrox News: "What you need is those players round about him and you need the right management team that can just rein him in at times and guide him in the right direction.
"I'll be honest with you I don't really mind that, I played with a lot of players who were like that myself, hot-headed, sometimes they can lose their focus. But that's up to you and the group of players on the park to manage that.
"There's a lot to like about Todd."
Has Todd Cantwell worn out his welcome at Rangers?
It is often a balancing act with players like Cantwell and when he was starring under Michael Beale it was far easier for his antics to be overlooked.
He hasn't produced the same level of quality under Clement and that may mean his social media controversies and his more infuriating behaviour on the pitch has made the decision on his future already.
But as with so many exit-linked senior players currently there is little the manager can do if the appropriate offers for them to leave aren't there, so if he is stuck with Cantwell this season he will need to find a way to get the best out of him.
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