The 'brewing' Todd Cantwell situation at Rangers after brutal Philippe Clement substitution as coded message found

Former Rangers star Maurice Ross has claimed the situation between Todd Cantwell and Philippe Clement has been "brewing for a while".

Speaking after the Europa League clash with Aris Limassol, Clement insisted he didn't enjoy hooking the playmaker after just 35 minutes for Ross McCausland - with the 20-year-old wide man coming on to net the crucial leveller at Ibrox - but insisted the Englishman had not followed his instructions. It was a decision that sparked a mixed reaction in the home stands but the Belgian boss has taken a hardline stance with the Light Blues' stars.

And Ross reckons that the boss took his chance to send a firm message to Cantwell that there is a "new regime" at Ibrox. The England U21 international was signed from Norwich City earlier this year as Michael Beale's first recruit - but after less than a year at the club could face a fight to keep his place in the starting line-up at Rangers following his showing against the Cypriot minnows.

Taking to X, Ross said on the substition: "That’s a gaffer’s call!! No messing about! Tackling a ball going out of play isn’t what a Rangers 'forward' is about!

"Where are the nice touches? Slid through passes? Eliminate a man? That decision, for me, tells any player this is the new regime! How it should be!"

Responding to suggestions it was the wrong player who was replaced at the wrong point of the showdown, The former Gers defender went on: "This has been brewing for a while! U want sheep? Shoot the shepherd!".