Cantwell was in the matchday squad for the fixture but was left on the bench in the 2-1 loss at Parkhead.
Clement was quizzed on whether Cantwell was fit to play after the match and admitted the decision to leave him on the bench came as a result of being reduced to ten men.
The Rangers manager explained: “He was fit yes but this was not the game to put him on when we were playing with 10.”
Rangers had to play the entire second half with just ten men after John Lundstram was shown a straight red card.
The 30-year-old was initially booked by Willie Collum, but the decision was upgraded to a red card after the referee was advied to review his call at the pitchside monitor.
Clement had no complaints over the red card but it clearly impacted his tactical plan with Cantwell one of the players unable to feature as a result.
Asked whether Lundstram felt he had let down his team-mates by being sent off, Clement said: “He didn’t speak now of course and he is disappointed. Of course, he will feel like that.
“I also had moments like that in my career to take a red card when it was not necessary. He is experienced and he knows.
“I am sure in the next couple of weeks he wants to fight for this team. Maybe he wanted to fight a little too much to take the
team with him.”
