Brian Laudrup says Rangers removed a mental barrier by defeating Celtic on Saturday - and Todd Cantwell proved he can be a leading face of the Ibrox revamp.
Michael Beale is preparing for a summer overhaul of the Light Blues squad after a poor term that is going to finish in second without silverware. But he did provide fans with some hope by beating champions Celtic 3-0 on Saturday thanks to Cantwell, John Souttar and Fashion Sakala goals.
Former forward Laudrup reckons it's a big boost for Beale as he has handed himself some 'breathing space' heading into a new Premiership campaign and Champions League qualifiers. But it's Cantwell - and fellow January signing Nicolas Raskin - who he holds the most praise for. The import from Norwich City scored the opener and was key to the winner netted by Sakala, and the Danish legend insists he can be a key factor for Rangers and gives hope for more impressive recruits. Laudrup wrote in the Daily Mail: "Rangers did not win a title or lift a trophy on Saturday but triumphing over Celtic 3-0 in such a convincing fashion removes the psychological barrier that has hung around Ibrox for quite some time now, particularly during Michael Beale's time as manager.
"In terms of momentum, Rangers can now start believing that they are capable of beating Celtic as Beale turns his attentions this summer towards trying to build a team able to compete with their old rivals for the league and cups. As a player, if you keep being unable to beat your rival on derby day, if you are losing the title and the opportunity to get to cup finals, frustration builds.
"That's why Saturday's 3-0 triumph over Celtic was crucial. It gives a wee bit of edge going into the new season. It also gives Beale a bit of breathing space going into the summer and that is very important, as well.
"It was fantastic to see his January signings Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin taking command of the game. Ibrox can make or break players. I saw that myself when I played for Rangers.
"You can't say Cantwell is unproven. But some people have said he was a once-great talent who did not quite make it at Norwich City.
"They were asking: 'Has he still got it?' Now people are talking about Cantwell being a player who could lead the Beale revolution.
"He was not only excellent on the ball on Saturday, and scored his goal, but he does a lot for the team off the ball as well. He has so many things in his game that can help take Rangers further.
"He and Raskin could definitely help attract other good, hungry young players to join Rangers this summer and that's exactly what the club needs."
