Derek McInnes has given his verdict on Philippe Clement's decision to substitute Todd Cantwell after just 35 minutes last night, insisting it was a "surprise".
The Englishman was hooked and replaced by youngster Ross McCausland who ultimately grabbed the goal to ensure his side were not on the end of a shock defeat to Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol.
Cantwell was visibly frustrated as he took his seat in the home dugout and some supporters booed as the change was made.
McInnes was also shocked by the early switch and he was quizzed on whether he thinks there was more meaning behind the substitution, rather than just a tactical switch.
He told TNT Sports: "Possibly. You see the wee boy McCausland talking there saying that the manager asked him to give Rangers more width.
"Maybe that is a simple instruction that the manager was asking Cantwell to do. To hold his width more.
"Now Cantwell isn't an out-and-out outside right winger, but maybe he has been asked to play there a wee bit more effectively just to maybe try and create that space.
"You just don't know. If there is a frustration there then nobody really knows the ins and outs of what is being asked of the player.
"I think Cantwell gives Rangers something. Even when he is not at his best he is capable of producing big moments like against Prague.
"For me it was a surprise, I have to say that, but the manager paid to make these big decisions.
"McCausland comes on and he has the impact. The thing about him is that he always looks ready.
"In the few games that he has had he has influenced. He's been bright and confident when given the ball.
"He will be disappointed that he maybe didn't pull the trigger with his second chance, but he probably had more touches than any other Rangers player in the second half.
"That says a lot about him. He has met the responsibility that has been put on him so good on him for being ready."
