Michael O’Neill wowed by ‘very talented’ Ross McCausland as Rangers ace set fresh Ibrox challenge
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has challenged Ross McCausland to “stay in the team” under Philippe Clement at Rangers.
The comments come after the youngster was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time on Tuesday (14 November).
The 20-year-old winger made his first Rangers start in the 2-0 league meeting against Livingston on Sunday (12 November).
“There’s not a young player in the system that we don’t know well, and Ross is one that has been around for a number of years, from the JD Academy right through to the Under-17s, 19s and 21s,” said O’Neill, as quoted by the official Northern Ireland Twitter account (14 November). “We had him in the summer and I’m pleased to see him make the breakthrough, he’s a very talented boy.
“It’s not easy at a club like Rangers, he seems to have benefitted from a change of manager there, and it’s up to him now, can he stay in the team at Rangers? It’s great to have him in the squad, he’s a confident lad so I think he can add something.”
Bright future
McCausland clearly has a bright future for both Rangers and Northern Ireland, but it is the here and now that the managers of the two teams will be interested in.
O’Neill is obviously a big fan of the young winger, and could utilise him when the nation take on Finland and Denmark in Euro 2024 qualifying action.
He could be in perfect shape to take to the pitch, with his confidence set to be at an all-time high after making his first Rangers start at the weekend.
And that is all thanks to Gers boss Clement, who has relied heavily on the attacker in his early stages in the Ibrox dugout.
It is a complete turnaround from the situation under former manager Michael Beale, who clearly didn’t think McCausland was ready for the step up to senior football. But the 20-year-old has taken it in his stride, and has certainly answered the call from Clement so far.
In other Rangers news, one Gers star has sent a message to McCausland after what he did in the 2-0 win against Livingston.