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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

The Dessers moment that shows Cantwell Rangers treatment is not a one-off

Michael Stewart has drawn comparisons between Philippe Clement and Cyriel Dessers that shows the Rangers manager's treatment of Todd Cantwell is not a one-time thing.

On Thursday night the former Norwich City attacking midfielder was substituted in front of a packed Ibrox crowd in their Europa League fixture against Aris. An unusual sight in football, it came after just 35 minutes.

The Englishman was visibly frustrated with the decision as he took to the dugout. 

Post-match, Clement explained that he had spoken to Cantwell and that they were both on the same wavelength regarding the issue.

Speaking on BBC Sportscene, Stewart insists the sub shows the metal of Clement's character and management style, which is in no way a bad thing. 

The pundit also pointed out a similar incident where the Belgian let loose at Dessers on the touchline at Hampden Park last month during the League Cup semi-final against Hearts.

He said: "The big thing with Philippe Clement when you look at him, he looks like a guy who won't suffer fools gladly. He's going to say to the players what he thinks; he's not going to mollycoddle them.

"But equally, when he's battered them with a stick, he knows how to dangle the carrot. That's a case of with Todd Cantwell: 'Right, it's done, there's the game, go and play.' he's got a very good measure on that.

"I think back to the semi-final at Hampden just last month. Late on in the game, Dessers had come on and he wasn't chasing or closing down the game. You could see him (Clement) on the touchline, he was going crazy. But as soon as the final whistle went, he was on the park and he had his arm round Dessers and he was talking to him about where to be on the pitch and what to do.

"That just epitomised him as a manager and understanding when players might want to just sulk and feel as if they're being picked on. It's not about that, it's more about the reasons why and the clarity.

"Playing Todd Cantwell in that central area and not sticking him out wide, that was almost giving a bit to him and expecting something back. I think he got that from his performance."

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