Todd Cantwell’s omission from the Rangers starting line-up against Kilmarnock was the biggest surprise of the weekend.
A genuine contender for player of the year last season despite only being at the club since January, he proved that he could be an energetic force in midfield or creative influence in the forward line.
Against Servette, Todd Cantwell returned from the first whistle and his performance made it all the more bizarre that he didn’t start a few days earlier as Rangers dropped points on day one.
Todd Cantwell impresses but Rangers got it wrong at Rugby Park
Posting on Instagram, Todd Cantwell was clearly happy with his evening’s work for Rangers.
A Champions League debut added to a man of the match award in a well-deserved win wasn’t a bad way to start the European campaign for the Gers number 13.
Michael Beale hinted that the 24-year old had been saved for the tie with Servette, however, we aren’t at that stage yet where we can rotate our best players.
Also, with five substitutes available, the practice of starting strong and then rotating is one that makes a lot more sense.
What Todd Cantwell brings to the deeper position for Rangers is hard work out of possession, as shown by his duel statistics, as well as being a willing runner into the final third.
He won the penalty chasing a lost cause at 0-0 and also took up good positions whenever Borna Barisic or James Tavernier were in possession in wide areas.
If Rangers are to be more productive in front of goal, having bodies in the box is a good start.
Hopefully, Michael Beale has learned his lesson, if he is fit, Todd Cantwell has to play for Rangers against all but the weakest teams when he can be rested.
If the Gers boss truly wants us to play with the handbrake off that is.
