Glasgow Rangers continued their fine start under Michael Beale in midweek, securing a routine 3-0 victory with many claiming the performance to be the best under his leadership so far.
With nine wins from ten matches since replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, Beale has rejuvenated Rangers and given them an injection of confidence. However, reeling in their Glasgow arch-rivals – who are nine points ahead at the summit of the Premiership table – could prove a bridge too far, but the two domestic cups will certainly be eyed.
With matches coming thick and fast over the next few months, squad rotation will be key, and Beale may well switch up his starting XI ahead of the match against Ross County this afternoon, as he must fully unleash one of his January signings…
Todd Cantwell was one of two additions to the squad during the January transfer window, alongside Nicolas Raskin, and the former Norwich midfielder has already made a solid impression at Rangers. The 24-year-old – who was dubbed “exciting to watch” by journalist David Freezer – started against St Johnstone at Ibrox last weekend in the Light Blue’s straightforward 2-0 victory.
As per Sofascore, he enjoyed a solid if unspectacular debut, taking 55 touches while achieving an 88% pass success rate during his 63 minutes on the pitch, and it was pleasing to see a new midfielder in the team.
Against Hearts in midweek, he came off the bench with just 14 minutes left and left a positive imprint on the team which should convince Beale to unleash him from the start against Ross County today.
The Englishman achieved a Sofascore rating of 7/10 for his cameo against the Jam Tarts while taking 25 touches, completing 90% of his passes, winning 100% of his duels and making one key pass, giving Rangers that add a bit of spark in the final quarter of the match.
The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell was full of praise for Cantwell afterwards as he took to Twitter to discuss his performance, saying: “Cantwell has been superb since he came on. Nearly every time he has got on the ball he has dribble past someone or produced a lovely pass.”
Rangers are riding on a wave of confidence at the moment, and everyone seems to be buying into Beale’s philosophy.
Cantwell appears to have settled in at Ibrox with ease, and his impressive cameo against Hearts may just have earned him a start this afternoon.
