Rangers boss Philippe Clement explains why he had to haul Todd Cantwell off after just 35 minutes against Aris Limassol

PHILIPPE CLEMENT has insisted he has “no problem” with Todd Cantwell after the Rangers ace was hooked in the FIRST-HALF of the Euro flop against Aris.

Cantwell was hauled off moments after losing the ball in the build up to the Cypriots’ shock Europa League opener at Ibrox.

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Todd Cantwell was replaced by Ross McCausland before half-timeCredit: PA

Sub Ross McCausland – who was sent on for the fans’ favourite – grabbed a crucial equaliser to keep Gers’ Euro dream in their own hands.

And boss Clement defended his decision to sub Cantwell, who was clearly unhappy at the call, and praised McCausland.

He said: “There’s no problem with Todd.

“He did a good job in the last couple of weeks but today it was less good so another guy comes in.

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“He did a job for the team and we are a team together.

“They are all important but they need to show they want to be in the team.

“It’s impossible to have everybody happy, all 28, because it’s 11 places.

“It’s the players who show in every training session and every game who will get the most chances.

“We didn’t create any depth on the right side. Todd was coming into the ball all the time and that was not the idea.

“Then we create an easy game for them and it’s what they like. I wanted to have more width on the right and create more actions behind their defence.

“It’s what Ross did in a good way and he also scored a goal.

“Ross is brave, he has good speed and finishing, as he showed today.

“I understand people are frustrated at the result. We feel we just needed that one moment to win the game.

“But we have qualified for Europe for sure after the winter break and we still have a tough game at Betis where we can play for first place.”

Northern Ireland cap McAusland scored his first goal for Gers just 48 hours after signing a new long-term contract.

The goalscorer said: “We are disappointed as it’s not the result we came out to get. But it’s all to play for in the next game.

“I didn’t think I would get on as soon as I did. I was chuffed to get on so early, though, and make an impact in the game.

“I was thinking about scoring when I was on the bus before the game. It was the next milestone to achieve – a goal for Rangers. I was glad to get it.

“The manager told me to be direct and give the team width and to keep doing what I’d been doing in games. I wanted to give them something they’d maybe not been getting.

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“A couple of years ago I’d not have thought I’d be in this situation. But I’m proud as punch and delighted to get these opportunities.

“We are going to go into the Betis game with all to play for. We will sweep this under the carpet and go again in the next game.”

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