Todd Cantwell has promised the Rangers support they are about to see the best years of his career at Ibrox.
Michael Beale ’s first signing was paraded yesterday and wasted no time in facing up to the disappointment of his last couple of seasons at Norwich, while looking forward to making a massive impact in Scotland. The 24-year-old was linked with massive moves to the likes of Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle after bursting onto the scene at Carrow Road, but his career has stalled over the last two seasons and Cantwell is convinced that it will be resurrected under Beale’s guidance.
He said: “I definitely feel my best years are ahead of me. I think the Todd Cantwell that has been seen so far is probably a fraction of the Todd Cantwell that will hopefully come out. I know there is so much more I can bring and so much more I can do. I’m just ready to show that now.
“I think that way because I know my ability. I have been around a lot of different players in my career and played with some of the very best in the country.
“And I know exactly where I sit in terms of ability. So for me it’s just about getting that out of myself, and being with a manager that allows me to do so.”
Having played with a team that was constantly battling relegation from England’s top flight to one that dominates the ball is most matches is a huge attraction for the attacking midfielder - who insisted that he isn’t bothered about the numbers of goals and assists he clocks up, so long as he plays a part in helping Rangers win matches and trophies. He added: “It was one of the things the manager said to me, actually.
“He highlighted the fact we (Norwich) had been in a relegation scrap when we’d been up. That’s a very different proposition as an attacking player, to be in a team where your defensive work is just as important as your attacking work when every point matters.
“Without saying too much, that’s probably why you’ve not seen the best of me. Defensively it’s not why I’ve been brought in.
“That said, you have a responsibility and you have a role and I think I have come a long way with that side of my game. It’s all part of the journey.
“When I was younger I was obsessed with it (goals and assists) - and it became a bit unhealthy because you end up shooting when you shouldn’t and passing when you shouldn’t. For me, I just play the game as I see it. If I’m on the winning team I’ve done something well.
“I’ve got to take some of the things I’ve done and some of the experiences I’ve had with me. But I’ve also got to leave some of the scars behind. You can’t move forward if you don’t allow yourself to.
“I’ve learned a lot. I’ve got quite a good catalogue of experience, good and bad over the last couple of years, and that has shaped me into the player that I want to be viewed as now and in the years to come.”
Cantwell hasn’t played since November but insists his fitness levels are high. Asked if he’s ready to make his debut against St Johnstone on Saturday, he said: “That’s not my decision. Listen, I feel like I’m not at match fitness. That’s evidently clear because I’ve not played for a while.
"In terms of starting matches, that’s completely out of my control. All I can do is work hard in training and see where I’m at.”
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