BBC Scotland pundit baffled by Rangers situation, expects Ross McCausland development at Ibrox
BBC Scotland pundit Kenny Miller has expressed his thoughts surrounding the lack of playtime for exciting talent Ross McCausland at Rangers.
Like many, Miller expected McCausland to play a much bigger role this season, with a void left by the departure of Ryan Kent to Fenerbache.
Despite a gaping hole on the wing, the 20-year-old has made just one league start this season, appearing as a substitute in a further four.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, as transcribed by Glasgow Times, Miller said: “What you also have to factor into McCausland’s situation is how this manager maybe wants to play.
“And where are the wingers at the club? Where are the guys at the club who are capable of being direct and dribbling and putting defenders on the back foot?
“They’ve let a Ryan Kent go. You have let that type of player go. I don’t really see any other real wingers in that Rangers team at this moment. There’s definitely a place for him (McCausland) in that squad.”
Age is just a number
If Philippe Clement is worried that the winger is too young for a spot in Rangers’ team, he may need to rethink his decision, as Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill believes he is ready to play on the international stage.
McCausland was handed his first Northern Ireland cap, starting on the right wing in a 4-0 loss to Finland. Albeit, the nation’s Euro 2024 qualification hopes were long gone, the youngster was trusted against a team higher ranked in the world and played almost a full hour.
Clement has been deploying Todd Cantwell, who is primarily a central midfielder. So there is room for the academy graduate to play more often for the Gers.
And in Rangers’ most recent game against Livingston, he proved just how key can be if Clement uses him properly.
The winger won a penalty early in the game, took 36 touches, attempted three dribbles, made one successful tackle, and won multiple duels on the ground and in the air, all within 78 minutes.
It is only a matter of time before we see more of McCausland.
In other Rangers news, one Gers ace is now undroppable for both club and country as a Beale failure is underlined at Ibrox.