Rangers boss Michael Beale defends Todd Cantwell in expert dispute

Cantwell was on the scoresheet as Rangers played a 2-2 draw with Hearts on a night when Ibrox bid farewell to five departing players including club legend Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.

But after the game, Beale addressed what he felt was a Cantwell-centric narrative, delivering a veiled dig at outspoken expert Sutton, who said the referees would dig into the midfielder’s behaviour.

“We all know where it’s coming from,” Beale said.

“That was a blatant foul at the weekend, two hands in the chest.

“Anywhere else on the field, it’s a foul. Why is Todd going to fall in over there? It becomes a narrative around it.

“He’s doing really well. I think people should just enjoy him while he’s in our league. He’s been in our league for a few months and has shown a lot of great things.

“Another fantastic goal tonight. He is spirited, he wants to play the game with passion. He’s everything fans want.

“We just have to be careful.” We’ve walked this path before with Alfredo, haven’t we?”

Meanwhile, Beale expressed his delight at the signing of Norwich City new signing Kieran Dowell and explained why he has brought him to Ibrox for next season.

“I’m really happy to have Kieran and he’s a boy I’ve known for quite a while because when I was at Liverpool he was at Everton,” he said.

“He played for England Under-21s, then moved to Norwich and played in the Premier League. There was a coaching change so he comes in and knows three or four of the dressing rooms. We’ve been missing a lefty since we lost Joe Aribo.

“He’s similar to Tom Lawrence, Scott Arfield and Todd Cantwell in that he can play in midfield or in the top row.

“I think he will do well here and with time he is someone who will be considered a good signing and I look forward to working with him.”