Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell has admitted he felt "helpless" during the final stages of the Michael Beale era due to being on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old sustained a knee injury against Celtic on 3 September that ruled him out until last weekend's 4-0 victory over Hibernian.

After missing the final five games under Beale, plus both matches under caretaker boss Steve Davis, Cantwell was back for Philippe Clement's first match.

Speaking at a pre-Sparta Prague press conference on Wednesday (25 October), the former Norwich City ace said he find it tough watching from the stands.

"It was difficult not being able to play and you feel helpless when you are injured not being able to impact results," he said, as per Rangers' official Twitter page (25 October). "We are really looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.

"I had a good period out since the injury but feel like I am in a good place and feel good physically. Since the boss has come in he has made it clear how he wants to play and we are all in with him."

Raring to go

Cantwell was one of Rangers' standout players in the second half of last season upon joining from Norwich in February, but he struggled to make much of an impact this season prior to sustaining his injury against Celtic last month.

The Englishman did not score or assist in eight games under Beale this campaign, but he made an impact when returning for Clement's first game as he set up Cyriel Dessers' goal.

That came shortly after being introduced from the substitutes' bench, and Cantwell will now be hoping to get a first start in nearly two months when Rangers face Sparta Prague on Thursday (26 October).

There are many factors behind Beale's recent sacking - Cantwell's injury being among them. Had he stayed fit, and more importantly found some form, then who knows what would have happened?

Cantwell is now back, though, and with a bit of luck of he can now recapture his form of old and help get the Gers' campaign fully back on track.

In other Rangers news, Clement would have been left purring after witnessing something up close last weekend.

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