CALLUM McGREGOR was the undisputed winner in the mismatch with Ibrox rival Todd Cantwell.
That’s the no-nonsense verdict from former Celtic goal hero Chris Sutton who has been an arch critic of the English over his bizarre antics on and off the pitch.
The two ex-Norwich City players locked horns in social media spats shortly after the midfielder was signed by flop boss Michael Beale in January last year following a failed short-term loan deal at Bournemouth.
Sutton was bemused by comments from Cantwell who arrived in Scotland with a barrage of promises and talk of Rangers becoming the best team in the country.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SHOW SO FAR? CallumMcGregor has a word with Todd Cantwell as Celtic head for a silverware double with a 1-0 Scottish Cup Final victory at Hampden on May 25.
Didn’t quite turn out like that and the misfit is heading out of Govan with his last game the Scottish Cup Final against Callum McGregor and his Celtic team-mates in the Scottish Cup Final on May 25.
Appropriately, Cantwell said farewell as a loser following the Hoops’ 1-0 triumph to seal the double after completing the Premiership campaign on 93 points, eight ahead of the Englishman and his Ibrox colleagues.
Looking at what he terms “chaos across the city”, Sutton said: “There is a major clear out underway it appears with proven performers such as Connor Goldson expected to leave, with even James Tavernier tipped to go, as well.
“That’s all very well and good, but they have been over the course and will need replaced. Then there is the Todd Cantwell situation.
“It was extraordinary to see Philippe Clement finish his press conference the other night, only to come back in and reveal Cantwell has submitted a transfer request.
DOWN AND OUT…Greg Taylor towers over Todd Cantwell during a Hampden confrontation.
“I can’t say I’m surprised. I heard back in January he was looking for a way out and it doesn’t seem like he’s got the stomach or the temperament for the Glasgow goldfish bowl. His manager wasn’t having him either, but it’s strange one.
“Normally when players talk about wanting a new challenge it’s because they have achieved so much at a club.
“Cantwell hasn’t achieve much at Rangers and what will be be remembered for? His shushburgers, social media posts and depriving Reo Hatate of a drink?
“He talked about a rivalry with Callum McGregor – but it ended up a non contest.
“It’s not great and it’s a chance missed by Cantwell. I’ve always said there is a talent there and he had a tremendous platform at Rangers.
“He won over the fans early on by professing his undying love and kissing the badge. But you need to produce it consistently on the pitch.
LITTLE BOY BLUE…Todd Cantwell has that sinking feeling as the Celtic celebrate the 1-0 Scottish Cup semi-final win at Hampden in season 2022/23 on their way to a domestic treble.
“It will be interesting to see if he gets his move and even more so if he doesn’t and is called on top play a prominent role at the club this season.
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “It all just looks such a mess, but Celtic can’t just think the league is going to be a canter. They also have to think bigger.
“They probably do have enough, even now, to be too strong for most in Scotland.
“But they simply have to be thinking about Europe. Rodgers didn’t come back just to be top dog on Glasgow, no matter how satisfying it might be.
“The Champions League is more vital than every this season and there is a real danger another poor campaign could have long-lasting damage, with Scotland’s coefficient on the brink of collapse. “
FINAL RANT…Todd Cantwell proves to be a bad sport as he points his finger in the face of one of Nick Walsh’s assistants following the 1-0 loss at Hampden in May.
The one-time England international striker added: “The new format with eight games guaranteed should give Celtic more opportunity to collect points and perhaps even get to the knock-out stages after Christmas.
“But the automatic spot in the group stages is about to go and if they are also-rans again then it might take a heck of a long time to come back.”
The champions kick off their quest for a fourth successive title and their thirteenth crown in 14 years against Kilmarnock a week tomorrow.
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