HE HOLDS THE KEY – Club Legend backs £22k-a-week star to unlock the title race for Rangers

HE HOLDS THE KEY – Club Legend backs £22k-a-week star to unlock the title race for Rangers

Barry Ferguson has identified the Rangers midfielder who will be the key to the club’s title challenge in the Scottish Premiership this season.

The former Rangers captain believes Todd Cantwell can be Philippe Clement’s primary man,

despite the fact that the 25-year-old has not played more than 58 minutes in a game since the beginning of January.

Cantwell was recently substituted at halftime against Hibs and St Mirren,

raising questions among fans and sparking debate among analysts.

However, Ferguson sees nothing nefarious in Clement’s relationship with Cantwell and believes the Belgian regards the playmaker as one of his Rangers squad’s important assets heading into the second half of the season.

While Ferguson suggests that Cantwell should be looking over his shoulder following the January additions of Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes,

the 46-year-old believes he can make a difference in the title race against Celtic.

Barry Ferguson on Todd Cantwell.

Barry Ferguson stated of Todd Cantwell, “At this club, standing still should never be an option.” And that’s why I’m eager to watch how Todd Cantwell reacts to the recent changes,

since, in my opinion, he remains one of the most brilliant and skilled players in the country.

“I’ve played with a handful of them before. I call them game changers.

And Cantwell is most definitely in that  bracket.

“And I’m confident that if he gets the most out of himself between now and the end of the season, he might be the key to unlocking this title race and providing the one trophy Clement will desire above all others.

“Cantwell has been substituted at halftime in Rangers’ previous two away games against Hibernian and St Mirren. And this may have added to the perception that he and the manager do not agree.

“But I don’t believe that’s the case. In fact, I feel Clement is putting pressure on Cantwell, and Todd is the type of player that thrives on such a task.

“First, have a look at the goal he scored at Easter Road. Yes, he may have been in and out of the first half but he stood up and grabbed it by the scruff of the neck by lashing that one home from 25 yards. That’s not only what I want to see from Todd – it’s what I expect from a player of his ability.

“Perhaps he’s been guilty of pushing too hard to get into positions where he believes he can impact the game. But I won’t blame the person for trying too hard!

“He came off at halftime against Hibs after taking a bit of a hit. The manager was not making an example of him; he was simply looking after him.

“Then, at St Mirren, the same thing happened during the interval, most likely because the game did not fit Cantwell’s style of play. I’m sure Todd will understand.

“But, most importantly, I’m certain he understands how essential he will be to this squad over the next several months because, if he gets back to his best on a more consistent level, then he could make all the difference to the destiny of the title.

“He’s now operating in the central role and his form has been good at times and indifferent at others. But that’s what you get from these kind of players. They can’t be the top man every single week.”

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