Lee McCulloch praises ‘brilliant’ Ross McCausland after display v Sparta Prague
Lee McCulloch has praised the impact of 20-year-old Ross McCausland after his display off the bench for Rangers in the 2-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague.
The former Rangers captain commented on the confidence McCausland showed in coming on at Ibrox in an intense atmosphere and high-stakes game and still managing to make things happen.
McCulloch claimed the winger lifted the crowd with his 21-minute cameo and the fans really took to him, and after a display like that, he could find himself a more regular fixture in this squad.
McCulloch was speaking live on BBC Sportsound [9 November, 22:04] when he gushed: “McCausland was absolutely brilliant. Bubbly, has pace, technical first touch. Tremendous.
“Playing in this cauldron, given the magnitude of this game, he looked full of confidence. I think the fans really took to him. He really gave the stadium a lift.”
An impressive cameo display
McCausland’s involvement in the game may have been even more than he expected, given 20 minutes to perform and make things happen in a huge European game at Ibrox, and he did not disappoint with his display.
The 20-year-old recorded a 100% dribble rate, failed to find the target with just one of his passes, got two shots off, one of which forced a top save from the goalkeeper, and looked an all-round threat with his pace and confidence to take people on down the wing.
His passing was also a standout feature of his game, although not displayed in the stats due to their outcomes, he was able to slip both Danilo and Abdallah Sima through on goal with some intricate passes with perfect timing and execution.
The youngster showed he has more to offer in a Rangers shirt, and with a performance like that he could find himself called upon more often to show what he can do under Clement this season. That is something he, and his manager, can take confidence from.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has destroyed one player after what he did on Thursday night.