As Rangers try to build back from that League Cup disappointment, it’s the likes of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin who’re providing the most optimism in the stands.
Michael Beale hasn’t been shy in referring to a summer of change at Ibrox and already the supporters are looking to the next window with the Premiership campaign fluffed by Christmas and only the Scottish Cup realistically in the club’s sights.
The writing is on the wall for the same old players who’ve we’ve seen give their all but fall short at the final hurdle several times and it’s the new blood which is injecting some hope into the side.
Rangers fans continue to ask why the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell weren’t included from the start in that defeat to Celtic but looking ahead these two guys are certainly already helping a new-look Gers take shape.
Todd Cantwell shows Rangers class v Hibs
Against Hibs, both were once again mightily impressive and Todd Cantwell in particular continues to impress ever since taking a shine to Rangers and the support following a January move from Norwich City.
The midfielder is a direct and progressive player who can pick a smart pass and who can also carry the ball up the park and dribble at defences.
Against Hibs, Todd Cantwell did start the game poorly, having given away the soft free-kick which led to the Connor Goldson own goal opener.
But the midfielder recovered to play a hugely influential role in one of Rangers’ finest domestic performances of the season, Cantwell finding space all over the Hibs pitch and showing a creativity and ingenuity which has been sorely lacking from the side in recent seasons.
It’s clear that Cantwell has played at a higher level than the Scottish Premiership in the past and so far in Scotland the midfielder is showing flashes of the player who was valued at £50m only a few seasons ago.
Young English players who’ve been trained in the country have inflated transfer fees, and we’re not expecting this to be replicated north of the border, but there’s a reason why the top clubs in England were once linked to the player.
But more importantly for Rangers, alongside Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell is providing the Ibrox support with optimism in a frustrating season increasingly devoid of it.
Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey has been tipped for the Premier League.