Philippe Clement reveals crucial Rangers change was tactical as Todd Cantwell 'irritating' fears led to half time switch

Philippe Clement revealed his decision to hook Todd Cantwell at half-time was tactical as his switch paid off - with replacement Scott Wright helping to swing the Viaplay Cup semi-final Rangers’ way.

Cantwell picked up a first half booking and the Belgian kept him in at the break with Wright thrown on and the former Aberdeen man was on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win, while he also won the free-kick for skipper James Tavernier to net the second of his double in stunning fashion.

Clement has now set his sights on lifting his first piece of silverware when the Light Blues return to Hampden next month to face Aberdeen as the club look to lift the trophy for the first time since 2011. But the former Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco gaffer joked he hasn’t got time to celebrate - with a huge Europa League clash against Sparta Prague to come on Thursday.

The Gers boss explained his change at the break: “It was more of a tactical one. Also with his yellow card I didn’t want to take chances with that - I knew they would try and irritate Todd more - and with Scott and his energy I wanted to rotate with the two of them like the last couple of weeks because I want fresh players up front. It was just a tactical one.

“We don’t have anything. If we are in a final or quarter final it’s the same. It’s about winning so I’m looking forward to December but I’m focused on December. I don’t have so much time to be happy or satisfied because I need to think about the next game which is why I made a few changes at the end. It’s a big game again on Thursday against Sparta - I don’t have so much time to be happy or satisfied.

“The most pleasing thing was the way the team played. We were dominate the whole game and created a lot of chances. We