Michael Beale has explained his decision to leave Todd Cantwell on the bench against Kilmarnock this evening. 

Rangers kickstart their Scottish Premiership at Rugby Park as they look to pick up a win on their travels to Ayrshire. 

Beale faced a number of big selection decisions and the big surprise was Cantwell’s omission from the starting eleven. 

The 25-year-old made a big impression after arriving from Norwich City in January and he was Rangers’ best player during the second half of last season. 

But Cantwell will have to contend with a place on the bench this evening with John Lundstram and Kieran Dowell selected alongside Nicolas Raskin in midfield. 

Beale was pressed on his decision to name Cantwellon on the bench in his pre-match interview with the BBC. 

He said: “I think the balance in the midfield is really good and when the game opens up, there will be more room for the likes of Todd and Danilo - that’s what I’m predicting. 

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“We’ve got a big schedule coming up, with four games in 12 days and there will be subtle changes. 

“We’ve got lots of options this year in terms of who we play in the final third. Do we play two strikers, people wide or an extra No.10. 

“Todd’s going to play a lot of football. He’s a really important player for us, there’s no doubt about that.”