'Complete clarity': Ex-Rangers man lands Philippe Clement dig after star display for new club

Ex-Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell laid a thinly veiled dig at Ibrox head coach Philippe Clement after revealing his new Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace is more ‘relatable.’

Cantwell, who departed Ibrox on deadline day, has had an impressive start to life at his new club and was heralded by Blackburn fans for his performance in the 1-0 win over Swansea City at the weekend, where the 26-year-old was named man of the match after providing the assist for Tyrhys Dolan’s winning goal.

The 26-year-old produced a glittering display to help fire the promotion chasing club into the EFL Championship playoff positions, completing more dribbles than any other player on the pitch (6), producing a 100% tackle success rate and winning the most duels (10) in the game to leave Blackburn fans purring.

Cantwell asked to leave Rangers in the summer, according to head coach Philippe Clement. Cr: SNS Group. | Getty Images

"I've had three seasons in the Championship and I've got out of it every time,” said Cantwell. “I've been on the end of success. Behind closed doors I always think I can get the best out of people, so hopefully my experience is dripping off me."

The midfielder departed Rangers under a cloud in the summer, with Belgian boss Clement telling the press that Cantwell had chosen to leave the club, and wanted “another challenge” following the 2-1 pre-season defeat to Birmingham City. The playmaker fired back at the claim in the aftermath of the move to Ewood Park though, saying he “never ever said I didn’t want to play for Rangers Football Club.”

“I didn’t believe it was the right place for me to be and they are personal reasons. But you don’t have to look too far behind tactics and the way a team plays, and how you get the best version of yourself” claimed Cantwell, when quizzed on his Ibrox departure.

Todd Cantwell on his final Rangers appearance in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park. Cr: Getty Images. | Getty Images

Following the weekend win over Swansea, Cantwell aimed another apparent dig at his former boss by saying: “In terms of managers that I've had so far, he (Eustace) is the most relatable. I say that because when I hear him speak it makes sense all the time.

“When I spoke to him, we had complete clarity on the two positions that I could bring the best version of myself in. They are positions I've played in since I've been here so far - the number 10, and as a left winger. The way the manager wants a left winger is very similar to how Daniel Farke wanted me at Norwich.”

The ex-Ibrox midfielder will be handed another opportunity to showcase his talent on Wednesday evening when Rovers host fifth placed West Bromwich Albion, where another win could see them go as high as third in the EFL Championship.