Barry Ferguson has told Go Radio that Todd Cantwell has all the tools necessary to shine for Rangers after he arrived at Ibrox on a ‘long-term deal’ – but has warned Cantwell that it is “tough” to play in Scotland, and the demands are high.
Cantwell, 24, has become Michael Beale’s first signing at Ibrox after swapping Norwich City for Rangers in a deal said to be worth £1.5million. He joins after struggling to recapture his Premier League form since Norwich were relegated.
It is seen as a coup. Cantwell was once linked with the likes of Tottenham. But, can he reignite his best form at Rangers? If anyone is going to do it, a manager like Beale on the training ground will. It is down to the England Under-21 star.
Rangers legend Ferguson gave his verdict on the addition. He says he is “excited” by Cantwell, but warned the new signing that it is hard to play in Scotland and he will not be used to the demands and pressure of Glasgow Rangers.
“I’m sure the Rangers fans will be delighted to see it cross the line. Hopefully, one or two more before the window shuts. His career has stalled, the past 12 months. But there’s no doubt he’s got ability,” Ferguson told Go Radio.
“Sometimes you need to move clubs and hopefully Rangers is the right club for him. I’m excited. It’s a tough place to play football, up here. He won’t have experienced the pressure and demands that Rangers do. He has the tools.”
Ferguson: Cantwell has all the tools necessary to shine for Rangers
Will he get the platform to shine at Rangers? At his very best, he is certain to start for the Gers. But it may take some time for Beale to re-install that confidence in Cantwell. His best positions are on the left, or as a no.10 in attack.
Ryan Kent is undroppable. Absolutely crucial to Rangers. Fashion Sakala is in wonderful form from the right. Malik Tillman as a 10, too. So, Cantwell will have to prove himself before earning a chance to come into the Rangers side.
But as Ferguson says, he has all the quality required to shine for Rangers. Whether he will put that quality to practice at Ibrox remains to be seen, but Beale now has serious competition in his attacking positions.
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