Rangers sensation Cole McKinnon continues rapid rise as international news emerges
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has needed a big squad this season, primarily due to the busy schedule and unfortunate injuries.
The man in the dugout has lost several key players to injuries at different times, forcing him to turn to less experienced players.
But the likes of young stars Ross McCausland and Cole McKinnon have answered the calls, with both now leaving Ibrox for international duty.
The former has been selected by Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill for their friendly meetings with Romania and Scotland, although he looks set to miss that first encounter through injury.
The latter meanwhile has now received a last-minute call-up, with McKinnon now in the Scotland Under-21 side [official Scotland National Team X account, 19 March].
It isn’t his first call-up to the setup, but given his recent exploits in the Rangers senior side, he could play a key role on the pitch later this month.
The 21-year-old now has three first-team appearances to his name, with two of those coming this month in the massive clashes with Benfica and Hibernian.
The youngster was handed 13 minutes from the bench in the Europa League round of 16 first leg draw with the Portuguese giants, before making another brief cameo in the Scottish Cup quarter-final win against Hibernian just a few days later.
Cole McKinnon impressing in brief senior Rangers career so far
Those experiences, at Estadio da Luz and Easter Road, will have boosted his confidence massively, as will the call-up to the Scotland Under-21 squad.
More Rangers first-team appearances will be the aim for McKinnon between now and the end of the season, with a senior Scotland call surely also on his wishlist.
In other Rangers news, Clement’s anger is set to grow further as a former Premier League referee lays out a ruling after the Dens Park controversy.
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