Ross McCausland emerges as ‘big test’ for Sam Lammers amid Rangers contract developments
Ross McCausland is a major new test for Sam Lammers at Rangers and can have a “big future” at the club, according to Dean Jones.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on 18 November the former Eurosport journalist said predicted the Light Blues would tie down the winger to a new contract in a development that Gers fans “must be all over”.
He highlighted 20-year-old McCausland as the sort of player fans “want to fall in love with” as a youngster who could establish himself as a first-team regular, after an exciting emergence in recent weeks.
Jones said: “It’s a big test for Lammers to overcome because you come into this team, and you expect to make a spot your own, and he always has new challenges.
“I think McCausland can have a big future in this Rangers team. The level of expectation on him is helpful because he hasn’t got one, but there’s a situation here that can open up for him to become a first-team regular.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if the club look to tie him down to a new contract and show him that he can have a bright future here. Rangers fans must be all over a moment like this.
“You want to fall in love with players who want to be part of the project and can show you a way forward. I think McCausland ticks so many boxes regarding that.”
Hit the ground running
In contrast to Lammers’ stop-start first few months as a regular at Ibrox McCausland has taken his recent opportunities and run with them.
A series of positive substitute appearances finally culminated in an eye-catching first start for the club in the 2-0 win at Livingston ahead of the international break, and got him called up to the senior Northern Ireland squad for the first time.
He was only a contested refereeing decision and VAR review from opening his goal account for Rangers in the Livi win, and looks set to get plenty of opportunities to make up for that going forward.
Philippe Clement is clearly sold on his ability despite predecessor Michael Beale not giving him a minute of action in the early weeks of the season.
And while his senior international debut ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Finland on Friday (17 November) the Gers manager will have to hope the debut cap had a suitably positive effect on McCausland’s confidence.
While the youth product looks to be working his way into the first team line-up more and more it is likely to have the opposite effect on Lammers, with the 26-year-old struggling to have the same impact and now also under threat from the return from injury of Tom Lawrence.
As long as Rangers can keep hold of McCausland amid ongoing contract talks then he could become a fixture in the side for years to come.
In other Rangers news, a pundit has issued a “certainty” verdict over a hotly-tipped January transfer.