Rangers player was club's “number one target”, coach predicts “top player”

Is Vaclav Cerny, who struggled so much against Celtic, the answer to Rangers' long-standing problems on the right wing? Can Conor Barron assert his authority in the most pressure-filled situations, as Ryan Jack once did?

Are Jefte and Robin Propper an improvement over Borna Barisic and Connor Goldson in their heyday?

Of course, it is too early to judge. Three of the above quartet are newcomers to Scottish football, after all, while Barron has largely excelled since following in Jack's footsteps from Aberdeen to Ibrox.

But Boyd's argument, made in the Scottish Sun, still stands.

And while Todd Cantwell's 18-month stay north of the border can probably best be described as disappointing, the arrival of Nedim Bajrami – who signed for £3m more than Rangers got from Blackburn Rovers – has brought another largely unknown quantity in place of a man who, despite all the critics, still managed 15 goals or assists in the 2023/24 season.

Rangers sell Todd Cantwell to Blackburn Rovers

Cantwell ended his banishment from the Rangers on deadline day.

The former Norwich City playmaker returned to the English second division, joining Blackburn for a paltry £500,000, which hardly allays Boyd's concerns about Rangers' ability to sell players at reasonable prices.

After his rather lonely walk through the back door of Ibrox Stadium, Cantwell was welcomed at Ewood Park with open arms and a typical Cheshire grin.

Rovers boss John Eustace claims Cantwell was Blackburn's “number one target” for the attacking midfield position and hopes the star, once linked with Manchester City, can return to the form that once made him one of the league's most influential playmakers.

“Todd was the club’s number one target and they got him, which was great,” Eustace, who also confirmed his interest in Rabbi Matondo, told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“Hopefully he can establish himself as a top player in the Championship again. We will provide him with the environment to do so. Everyone is happy that he is here.”

“I think the club has brought in the players it wanted, which is great. They all have good characters.

“They all have something to prove, so I'm sure they will be a good addition to what we already have. I'm happy with the record. We have more competition for places.”

Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo come

After four games, unbeaten Blackburn are in fifth place in the table and are in top form despite the departure of Golden Boot winner Sammie Szmodics to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

Cantwell's Ibrox replacement Bajrami will have to wait until mid-September to make his Rangers debut, however, with the skilful Albanian international arriving late for Sunday's game at Parkhead.

Therefore, the trip to Dundee United in two weeks could offer Gers fans a first glimpse of Bajrami and fellow last-minute arrival Neraysho Kasanwirjo.

“Neraysho is a versatile defender,” Clement says on the Rangers’ official YouTube channel.

“It is also important for me that he is used to playing for Feyenoord, at De Kuip. A stadium that has a similar atmosphere to Ibrox, with demanding fans who have control over the players, who give their all on the pitch.

“Although he is a young player, he has the necessary experience – including with the Netherlands U21 team – and has already played abroad.

“As a centre-back he can give us versatility. But (Kasanwirjo) can also play as a right or left back. In this way he gives the squad more depth.

“With Nedim Bajrami we have someone with experience at the highest level,” adds Clement. “Who can play in midfield but also on the wings.”

“So that helps the team overall.”

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