Nico Raskin's Rangers rehab 'not going well' as Philippe Clement admits need for Viaplay Cup final solutions

Philippe Clement praised Todd Cantwell’s reaction after watching the playmaker bounce back from his Europa League hooking to inspire Rangers to victory against St Mirren.

Cantwell was left red faced after he was dragged off just 36 minutes into Thursday’s drab draw with Aris Limassol. Clement made his brutal decision after accusing the former Norwich ace of ignoring his tactical instructions. But the Belgian was delighted with the 25-year-old’s reaction as he shrugged off that shock substitution to lay on both goals for Abdallah Sima in Gers’ 2-0 win over the Buddies.

Asked if his performance justified his decision to include Cantwell in his line-up, Clement said: “You guys can decide about that. For me his selection was already assured before the game. We talked about Thursday and he agreed that he was not doing what he should do. He was frustrated himself about that. So this was the reaction I wanted to see.

“It’s a team sport. Otherwise we need to become a tennis player or something! Todd is part of a team. We talked about that.

“We know (the No10 role) is a better position for him but we also have to look at the other circumstances with all the injuries. We didn’t have many players available and he did a good job [on the right wing] also. Don’t forget this.

“Against Sparta Prague he was one of the best players. And he knows that. He is still available to play on the right side or the left side. About that we also had a really clear talk.”

Clement celebrated his 10th game in charge of the Light Blues with another win but it was another day when Gers laboured in the early stages. But the Ibrox boss was pleased to see his side remain calm in the face of Saints’ stubborn resistance before Sima’s opener on the stroke of