Rangers fans won’t have been expecting to see Todd Cantwell’s name on the list of absentees but, what this does is give someone else a chance, that someone will probably be Sam Lammers.
The much-maligned Dutchman has struggled to settle at Ibrox but the 26-year old could now be set to be handed a key role against Real Betis in the Europa League and in the ViaPlay Cup final.
Rangers have a huge run of games in which they will need players who have been under serious pressure to step up to the plate and Sam Lammers has to find a way of putting behind him his difficult start.
Rangers hopes could rely on Sam Lammers finding form
As yet, there is no indication as to how long Todd Cantwell will be unavailable for selection, of course, there are more important things in life than football but that doesn’t make his absence any less painful.
It would be great to see him back for the cup final, however, if he isn’t in the right frame of mind then family should be his priority.
There was once a time when Sam Lammers cost Atalanta £7m and the Serie A outfit are a club known for their clever recruitment and player trading, Rangers and Philippe Clement have seen nothing like this sort of potential.
The problem is, he has forgotten how to be that player.
Cantwell has looked much more dynamic in the number ten role, in and out of possession and the team as a whole has benefitted.
Lammers plays in as important a position as any, what isn’t his fault is that Rangers squad didn’t really need him in terms of his type of player but he has to show that he wants to stay here.
He has to be a difference maker in and out of possession and play with his head and chest up not his shoulders slumped and chin on his chest.
Nobody is going to feel sorry for him or give him a cuddle, Sam Lammers is in a privileged position and he now needs to show Rangers fans and Philippe Clement that he shouldn’t be the first out the door when the transfer window opens.
