Todd Cantwell in Rangers ‘touch and go’ address as Beale explains fitness call

Michael Beale has revealed Todd Cantwell was “touch and go” to play against Livingston this afternoon after a late fitness test.

The former Norwich City midfielder put in a decent showing before he was eventually subbed as Rangers sealed a 4-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox. Cantwell faded as the game wore on following a knock during the action but Beale explained how it was even before kick-off where he was close to being left on the bench after picking up a slight issue in the midweek Servette clash.

The 24-year-old convinced the boss he was ready, though, and Beale was pleased with what he saw. The manager also told how he is currently happy with the strength in depth his midfield boasts.

“Todd had a fitness test to play in the game today so it was very much touch and go,” Beale said.

“He took a knock to his thigh in the game in midweek. He was desperate to play but you could see he got really tired just before he came off. The second goal for us came at the right time because we managed to re-energise or rest the midfield, if you like.

“That’s got a good mix to it, I thought Ryan Jack was terrific in midweek, we’ve got John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell so we’ve got good strength in depth.

“Tom Lawrence is in the background but he’s been out for a year so is a 10 or 15 minute man, but he’ll get there.”