Rangers boss Philippe Clement has confirmed he hooked Todd Cantwell in the first half of the draw with Aris Limassol purely for tactical reasons.
Cantwell was visibly annoyed as he departed the Ibrox pitch after half an hour of the 1-1 tie at Ibrox on Thursday (30 November).
To make matters worse for the Englishman, replacement Ross McCausland struck the equaliser for the Gers to save them from embarrassment.
Some may have felt a knock contributed to Clement’s decision to take drastic action in replacing Cantwell so early on, but that was not the case
“There’s no problem with Todd,” Clement told reporters after the match, as quoted by the Scottish Sun [30 November[.
“He did a good job in the last couple of weeks but today it was less good so another guy comes in.
“They are all important but they need to show they want to be in the team. It’s impossible to have everybody happy, all 28 [players].
“It’s the players who show in every training session and every game who will get the most chances.”
Clement’s call, combined with Cantwell’s reaction to being subbed, makes for an uncertain future as far as the ex-Norwich City ace is concerned.
There is no doubt that Cantwell has struggled to hit the heights of last season, reflected by his one goal and one assist in 17 appearances.
The 0.70 goals and assists combined he registered per 90 in the Scottish Premiership last term has dropped to 0.18 this time around [FBref].
While he is a better option than the even more ineffective Sam Lammers in the number 10 role, Cantwell simply has not been good enough.
It may seem drastic, but Rangers will likely have to sell in January to afford new recruits and Cantwell seems primed for a move away.
The 25-year-old could still turn a tidy profit for the Gers, in turn allowing Clement to bring in a handpicked option out wide or through the middle.
There is no just a month until the transfer window opens, and unless Cantwell’s form drastically improves, Clement will have a big call to make.
By bringing in a number 10 who can contribute regularly to goals, it may just save the Gers’ campaign.
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