Philippe Clement has words of warning for Todd Cantwell following what the Rangers playmaker did against Hearts

Philippe Clement has words of warning for Todd Cantwell following what the Rangers playmaker did against Hearts

Philippe Clement gives Todd Cantwell a Rangers mission. Cantwell had two goals and an assist in his previous two games since being replaced by Tom Lawrence in the season’s last Old Firm clash, resuming the form that helped the Light Blues defeat Celtic.

Arguably, when his hamstring strained, Rangers’ lead in the championship race loosened, and his return to form took too long to heal. Next weekend’s Scottish Cup final provides one last chance to salvage a season that appeared to be gone in October, but Clement feels his dynamic midfielder has more to offer: “Todd has many traits, and he does need to work on them.

Referees seem intent on letting other teams target the Gers star man and take it in turns in bending the laws of the game – a previous injury due to a bad tackle was far from a surprise.

Only in Scotland can players get away with cynical fouls and escape yellow cards.

The problem, given that Rangers have scored eight goals in the last two games, isn’t up at the sharp end of the pitch.

Yes, the defence looked fragile in the latter stages, but Leon King and Dujon Sterling had never played together and had combined for only 200 minutes at centre-half. Cantwell’s work ethic is undeniable, but when he is not in possession, he must discover where he can do the most harm. If the Rangers regain possession, he is the player Clement will want on the ball as soon as possible. Regardless of what he needs to work on, putting Cantwell into positions where he can impact the game against Celtic at Hampden might mean the difference between success and failure – regardless of how far he still has to go. Related Topics

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