Todd Cantwell revels in the Rangers trap Sparta stumbled into as Clement's ruse befuddles rivals

Grinning Todd Cantwell reckons sloppy Sparta Prague were the victims of a Rangers ruse created by Philippe Clement before a ball was even kicked at Ibrox.

The playmaker was back to his best as he netted in the 2-1 win over the Czechs which has them on course for another European adventure after Christmas. Cantwell netted the second after Danilo's opener and he believes Brian Priske's side were undone by Clement's insistence not to go gung-ho to win the ball back.

The former Norwich star – speaking to TNT Sports – admitted the plan worked to perfection in a dominant first half. He said: "That was something the manager said was important, that we don't all come to the ball and they set traps on us, which is the trap we tried to set on them. It's important to have people like Abs (Sima) and Dani to stretch them in behind.

"It creates that space and we can get second balls and go from there. If we have other ways to beat teams, we will be in a good place. Massive (to be in the cup final). There's no secret we need to win silverware this year and we feel that's our responsibility as players. The manager has come in and made that pretty clear as well, if we're all pulling in the right direction for that, being in the cup final is fantastic. Tonight was important as well, we're glad to get the win"

And the 25-year-old is aiming to kick on after landing his first goal of the season as he heaped praise on Danilo's Ibrox impact. He said "It's great to get my first goal this season, it's been a long time coming. We're starting to feel good, starting to feel fitter. The manager is implementing what he wants from us, the group is very tight at the moment so to get three points here at home, with the fans how they are, it's amazing.