CHRIS SUTTON hasn’t held back in criticising Todd Cantwell over the years.
Despite their shared Norwich City background, the former Celtic striker hasn’t been slow to have a go at the Rangers midfielder for one reason or another.
Todd Cantwell was defended by Chris Sutton for once[/caption]So it was something of a surprise to see Sutton stick up for Cantwell after the Ibrox side’s 4-1 win over Kilmarnock this afternoon.
Philippe Clement’s side had to come from behind after James Tavernier scored an own goal and then missed a penalty.
But Fabio Silva’s goal late in first-half injury time drew Rangers level at the break.
And second-half strikes from Ben Davies, Tom Lawrence and John Souttar eased them through to a comfortable win that moved them back to within three points of Celtic ahead of next weekend’s derby at Parkhead.
Lawrence’s strike was arguably the pick of the bunch as he lashed a shot past Will Dennis from the edge of the box.
That got Sky Sports pundit and Scotland icon James McFadden purring about the Welshman’s abilities – rating him higher than Cantwell.
Faddy said: “Tom Lawrence, you see that quality.
“He plays more as a No. 10, more as a support to the striker.
“He’s got great technique and wants to do thinks quickly, like shift the ball and get a shot away or a pass away.
“Todd Cantwell brings energy and endeavour. He’s got quality as well but he will go and press, try to unsettle the opposition and try to find a space to go and affect the game.
“But it’s not always in the centre, he’ll drift wide and try from there.
“He brings a different energy. Tom Lawrence for me brings a bit more quality.”
And that surprised Sutton who stood up for Cantwell.
He said: “Do you? I don’t. In terms of awareness and guile and somebody to see a pass, I think Cantwell just has the edge on Lawrence.
“I’d say Lawrence is maybe a better finisher than Cantwell.
“They’ve got slightly different attributes.
“You could play them both but he (Clement) won’t.
“It will be Lundstram, Diomande and one other.
“Maybe Cantwell will play an hour and Lawrence the last half an hour.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Next