GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
In his assessment of Philippe Clement’s choice to replace Todd Cantwell after just 35 minutes of play last night, Derek McInnes stated that it was a “surprise”.
Young Ross McCausland, who eventually scored the goal to guarantee his team was not about to suffer a shocking loss against Cypriot team Aris Limassol, took the place of the hooked Englishman.
As he took his seat in the home dugout, Cantwell was clearly irritated, and several fans jeered as the adjustment was made. The early swap apparently caught McInnes off guard, and he was questioned about whether he believed the move was more than just a tactical one.
To TNT Sports, he said, “Maybe. The young lad McCausland is heard claiming in the video that the manager instructed him to give Rangers more width.
Maybe the boss was only asking Cantwell to follow a straightforward directive. to more securely hold his breadth.
Cantwell isn’t a pure outside right winger, but it’s possible that he’s been asked to play there a little bit more skillfully in an effort to try to carve out that space.
“You simply are ignorant. If the player is feeling frustrated, it’s likely because nobody is fully aware of what is expected of them. Cantwell, in my opinion, offers Rangers something. He is capable of delivering huge moments, such as against Prague, even when he is not performing at his best. I must admit that it surprised me, but the manager got paid to make these important choices.
“McCausland enters the scene and makes an impression. The thing about him is that he appears prepared at all times. He has had an impact on the few games that he has played. When given the ball, he has shown intelligence and self-assurance. He’ll be frustrated that he might not have taken advantage of his second opportunity, but in the second half, he arguably had more touches than any other Rangers player.
It speaks volumes about him. He did a great job of taking on the responsibilities that was placed upon him and was prepared.
