John Wark says Todd Cantwell doesn't hide from Rangers responsibility – and that could prove key in Sunday's derby sizzler.
It's win or bust for Michael Beale's side on Sunday if they are to win a trophy this season. Celtic have already won the League Cup and are one win away from the Premiership title, and Rangers face their rivals again as they look to retain the prize they won last season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Wark – who starred for Ipswich, Liverpool and Scotland – has been at Ibrox this week to take in his beloved side's Ibrox stadium and revealed it's Cantwell's introduction since signing from Norwich City that has him excited ahead of Hampden derby day. He told NewsSlotsKlosh: “I’m familiar with Todd Cantwell from his Norwich days – and what I’ve seen of him in a Rangers shirt, he’s really impressed me. He looks like a proper Rangers player and will get better under Michael Beale’s coaching.
“I like the fact he doesn’t hide in games – he’s always hungry, looking for the ball and has pace to make things happen. He’s direct and positive.
“A win on Sunday would be a great springboard for Michael Beale and the squad he’s pulling together. Win or lose, he’s still got a big job to do. He’s the manager and we all back him from near and from afar.
“I love following my team although I’ve been away from Glasgow for 50 years. The Old Firm is the biggest derby in the world. I’ve played in the Merseyside derby, and in the Ipswich v Norwich derby – they could be tasty, but nothing competes with the intensity of good Rangers v Celtic match.
“I still remember getting lifted over the turnstiles at Ibrox as a wee boy and the Old Firm atmosphere was incredible. Nothing in world football compares to it. And as for numbers at matches – in truth is no one really knew how fans many attended matches in those days
“I loved taking my family around Ibrox this week and it was fabulous seeing the old parts of the stadium and the historic parts of the beautiful main stand. I was hugely impressed by the investment in the Blue Sky Lounge and Edmiston House.
"Ibrox does feel and look like a modern European club, it’s my club, and I love the Rangers. But as far as Sunday is concerned – no matter what Michael Beale says, ultimately, it’s down to the players, and I know they have it in them, to get that important win.”
