Rangers will be without ‘one of the best players in the Premiership’ in midweek with Todd Cantwell ruled out again – much to the relief of Livingston boss David Martindale.
While Martindale was reluctant to discuss whether or not now is a ‘good time’ to take on Mick Beale’s side – Rabbi Matondo joining Todd Cantwell, Danilo and Nicolas Raskin on the treatment table –this certainly isn’t a Rangers team at full strength.
In Cantwell, Beale has lost his key creative talent. Arguably his best finisher in Danilo too, and his midfield ball-carrier in Raskin. Matondo, meanwhile, has been perhaps Rangers’ most in-form player over a mixed few weeks.
And that’s without mentioning Lawrence, excellent for spells against Real Betis.
Injury-hit Rangers take on Livingston
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Martindale insists that the loss of several highly-important players should not be overlooked as criticism ramps up on Beale and co, jeers ringing around Ibrox following that unconvincing victory over Motherwell on Sunday.
“I didn’t think the booing was as bad as was made out. It was only about five seconds. Mick was honest afterwards, he said it wasn’t a great performance, but they still won the game and got three points,” Martindale, who’s Livi side face Rangers in the Scottish League Cup on Wednesday, tells Football Scotland.
“In Mick and Rangers’ defence, they’re missing some influential players.
“Todd Cantwell’s one of the best players in the Premiership. Tom Lawrence, I’ve always thought was a good player. Nico Raskin has been really consistent. And then Rabbi Matondo gets injured.
“What’s gone unseen about Sunday’s game is Rangers created three or four good opportunities, even if they were saves Liam Kelly should make.”
Martindale, then, is clearly keen to avoid playing down the size of the task facing his side. Beale can still call upon the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima, Sam Lammers and Kemar Roofe in attack, with Jose Cifuentes stepping in for Raskin.
But, still, a Rangers side shorn of four potential starters does Livingston’s chances no harm
‘I’m happy they are unavailable’
“Would I rather be going to face Rangers. with Lawrence, Matondo, Cantwell and Raskin unavailable? I’d be a liar to say that doesn’t really bother me,” Martindale quips.
“As the manager of Livingston going into a quarter-final, those four players are very good in a Rangers team. I’m not going to say I’m delighted they’re injured.
“But I’m happy they’re unavailable.”
