English club made wantaway Rangers player 'number one' summer target as lofty challenge set after Ibrox exit

Todd Cantwell was Blackburn Rovers “number one” transfer target according to boss John Eustace, who has tipped the former Rangers star to thrive in a “happy environment” at his new club.

The talented playmaker failed to live up to expectations during the majority of his time at Ibrox and it became clear the ex-Norwich City man would be moving on this summer after handing in two separate transfer requests. The 26-year-old swapped the Scottish Premiership for a return to the English Championship on deadline day in a £500,000 switch.

And Eustace has expressed his delight at the club getting the transfer finalised in time as he immediately set Cantwell the lofty challenge of establishing himself as a top player once again in the English second tier. It’s understood he will spend an extended period on the training pitch with his new team-mates, having yet to feature in a competitive match so far this season.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Eustace said: “Todd was the number one target for the club and they brought him in which was great. Hopefully, he can establish himself again as a top Championship player. We will give him the environment to do that. Everyone is happy he is here.

“I think the club have brought in the players they wanted to bring in, which is great. They are all good characters. They all have a point to prove so I'm sure they will all be good additions to what we already have got. I'm happy with the balance.

“We have more competition for places, we need that in all areas. They can help the squad. There are no egos, whoever is playing, they will be together and we can make changes. That's what it's about if we're going to be successful in the league.”

Blackburn are due to return to action on September 14 when they face Bristol City at Ewood Park. Rovers have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the campaign with two wins and two draws from their opening four league games to leave them occupying fifth spot in the table. The only minor blip to date was last week’s EFL Cup exit at the hands of Blackpool.