Rangers legend Barry Ferguson was ‘surprised’ by Todd Cantwell’s omission at Rugby Park while criticising Abdallah Sima’s role in Kilmarnock’s second-half winner.
Given the nature of proceedings in Ayrshire – Mick Beale’s side dominating 69 per cent of the possession but doing very little with it – it’s tempting to wonder if the Rangers boss would make a different decision now, if he could turn back the clock.
Ok, Sam Lammers arguably warranted a start after impressing in pre-season.
But leaving Todd Cantwell on the bench against a well-drilled, deep-lying Kilmarnock side almost felt like a professional thief leaving his lock-picking kit at home in favour of a brick and a crowbar.
Rangers lose away to Kilmarnock
“Cantwell, he’s been a big player no doubt. One of the bright sparks of last season. It was interesting to see he left him out,” Ferguson tells Go Radio; arguably the club’s most technically gifted player twiddling his thumbs on the bench until the 62nd minute.
“I was surprised he left him out. He’s impressed me since coming up the road from Norwich.”
There was, however, some method to Beale’s perceived madness. Cantwell, he felt, would be able to influence the proceedings more in the final stages, when the game ‘opened up’ that little bit more.
“Unfortunately, (that) didn’t happen,” Ferguson adds, Kilmarnock growing in stature and resilience following Brad Lyons’ 65th minute opener.
Summer signing Sima did not escape the former Ibrox captain’s wrath either. Yes, the Brighton loanee was brought in for his abilities at the other end of the pitch, but Ferguson feels there were still no excuses for Sima failing to win a header at the edge of his penalty area before the ball fell kindly into Lyon’s lap.
“A lot of people are going on about John Souttar but it’s the first ball,” Ferguson adds. “Sima has to win the header when the throw comes in.
“Rangers weren’t great, but you have to give Kilmarnock credit as well. Derek (McInnes) set his team up well.
“(But) with the quality that Rangers have in the team, they have to find a way.”
