Todd Cantwell roars back for Rangers as star back in the mix for Benfica blockbuster

Todd Cantwell has returned to full Rangers training to hand Philippe Clement a boost ahead of the Europa League showdown with Benfica.

But midfield duo Ryan Jack and Dujon Sterling - netted in the first leg of the 2-2 first leg last-16 clash in Lisbon - were both missing as Clement put his squad through their paces at the Rangers Training Centre.

The 25-year-old was recently ruled out for up to a month after he picked up a muscle injury against St Johnstone having been instrumental in the victory at McDiarmid Park which sent the Light Blues top of the Scottish Premiership. Cantwell has emerged as a key player for Rangers and Ibrox boss Clement asked for better protection for his star when speaking recently.

The Belgian said: “Todd’s always been a player who is really good on the ball, but sometimes he’s a little bit too provocative. I’ve spoken with him about that. He’s learned lessons and the moment he started to play more simply, he started to play better too.

“So, for sure, in this game he could have been more protected because there were a few challenges. For sure, I remember one in the midfield where he gets flipped over and for me those are always yellow cards.

“But I am not a referee so for sure I’m not going to go in those discussions because I am a coach, not a referee.”