Former Norwich City coach Peter Grant admits he has ‘concerns’ about Todd Cantwell’s mindset as Rangers continue to discuss a move that would see the Championship misfit move north of the border to Ibrox, speaking to Go Radio.
Not everyone can handle the pressure cooker environment of life in the Glasgow goldfish bowl. Bigger and more experienced names than Cantwell have found it tough going on Scottish soil, after all; weighed down by crushing expectation and the insatiable appetite for near-constant success.
And with Cantwell in the midst of a dramatic fall from grace – a player valued at £40 million around 18 months ago now has an almost permanent place on the Carrow Road substitute’s bench – Grant’s concerns lie not with the 24-year-old’s talent but with his temperament.
Rangers could sign Todd Cantwell from Norwich City
“Todd is one of these kids I’ve known for a long time,” says two-time Scotland international Grant, who’s son Raymond played with Cantwell in yellow-and-green.
“My concern would be if he handle the criticism when things are not going particularly well. That was one thing I thought was his weakness at Norwich.
“He had some terrific games and worked hard for his team. He’s a very good footballer there is no getting away from it. He has got the talent. There is no question about the quality. (But) it’s the other parts of it.
“Coming to a Celtic or a Rangers is a completely different thing. Can you handle it daily, 24/7?”
Cantwell, per The Athletic, swaggered and sauntered his way onto the radars of Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur during the 2019/20 season, having established himself as a potential match-winner and a genuine big-game player during an impressive debut season in the Premier League.
Now, with his contract running down, Norwich may be lucky to get even 10 per cent of that once-eye-watering £40 million price-tag. Blackburn Rovers had a bid rejected last week. According to Sky Sports, Mick Beale’s resurgent Rangers are now at the front of the queue.
“He’s a player with a lot of ability,” Beale said when asked about Cantwell (Rangers TV). “And there will be a lot of interest in him. He is a player that I like a lot. I said last week that I can’t really say much more than that, but you’re not far off the track for what you are all insinuating (that Rangers want to sign him).”
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