Impressing one of your Northern Ireland heroes to get a chance at Rangers is hard enough.
But convincing a Belgian boss to keep you there? That’s what Tommy Wright believes has been young Ross McCausland’s biggest feat yet in his fledgling career. The Northern Ireland Under-21s gaffer knows all about the 20-year-old who is beginning to make an impact at Ibrox. Wright called him up last week – only to lose him to the senior Irish squad after he caught Michael O’Neill’s eye.
O’Neill handed McCausland his debut in Friday’s 4-0 loss to Finland and the Ibrox kid could feature again in the final Euro 2024 qualifier with Denmark at Windsor Park tomorrow. Former St Johnstone manager Wright has been delighted with McCausland’s recent progress at Gers, especially his first start for the Ibrox club in the 2-0 win over Livingston last week. New manager Philippe Clement has shown faith in the former Linfield kid, even using him as a sub in their big Europa League victory against Sparta Prague at Ibrox.
McCausland was given his break by Northern Ireland legend Steven Davis, who threw him on against St Mirren in the league while in caretaker charge. Being picked ahead of big-money buys Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers that day in Paisley was the start of the kid’s rise.
And he hasn’t looked back. Wright believes Davis is the perfect mentor for his young countryman. But he says making his mark with Clement – who would have known nothing about him before turning up in Glasgow – is testimony to his undoubted ability.
In an exclusive interview with MailSport, Wright said: “Clement might just be the manager who gives Ross his opportunity. But that was probably the break he needed at Rangers (getting on at St Mirren).
“Sometimes you just need a chance like that as a young player. Michael Beale left the club and Steven put him straight into the squad. He obviously saw something he liked. And in terms of being professional, he couldn’t ask for a better role model.
“Steven is a top pro and at Rangers all the young players should have that instilled in them. The bigger thing Ross should take is that, although Steven gave him his opportunity – the new manager has come in and seems to like him as well.
“So he should get huge credit for that. Because he’s obviously doing the right things in training every day. And when he’s getting minutes on the pitch he’s making the most of them.
“Irrespective of getting that initial chance, it was Clement’s decision to keep him in and around the first team – and actually use him.
“Different managers have different eyes which lead to different opinions. He’s definitely benefited from the change of manager because Clement coming in has really helped him at Rangers.”
Wright has rated McCausland since he saw him develop through Northern Ireland’s JD Academy as a youngster. He’s praised the winger for biding his time at Ibrox before grabbing his chance.
And Wright is convinced McCausland has a bright future for club and country. He said: “We all like him. He can go past people, he’s got a pass in him – and he’s a good finisher as well.
“We saw that in the Livingston game last week, even though his goal was disallowed. Like a lot of young players, he needs to play at a higher level.
“And that’s why we’re delighted now that he’s getting regular game time at Rangers. Recently, it hasn’t just been little cameos. It’s alright coming on when you’re three or four goals up.
“But Ross came on at 2-0 in the European game, with the tie still in the balance. Then he started at the weekend and played 75 minutes at Livi.
“We really like him, including Michael. We think he’s got a big future and just hope he can keep it going. Steven put him in, which was a great help. And now the new manager has shown faith in him. He looks so comfortable in that environment, which tells you a lot about his ability.
“Ross has had to be patient at Rangers because he hasn’t even had a loan. He has been playing B-team football. But he’s someone who has always been on our radar.
“It’s not easy for young players to come off the bench and make an impact. It’s difficult for experienced players to come on as a sub and influence the game. So he’s riding the crest of a wave at the minute and hopefully that continues.
“He has to keep his feet on the ground. We know he can see a pass and go past people but sometimes young players forget there’s two sides to it. He has to work hard and what he does without the ball is also important. But he’s got a really bright future and hopefully he’ll go on to greater things.”
Wright hopes McCausland’s emergence at Rangers can have a positive impact on young players in Northern Ireland – where there’s a big Gers fanbase. But he knows the real challenge for the County Antrim-born forward is to stay in Clement’s plans.
He said: “I look at his performances now and can see his confidence has been boosted. Not that Ross has ever been shy but it’s the fact the new manager has come in and given him his first start.
“He has fully earned it and it bodes well for Ross himself – and Northern Ireland in the future. Because we need as many young kids playing first-team football as possible.
“It’s great for lads in Northern Ireland to see him making the breakthrough at Rangers. Our biggest problem when youngsters go to England and Scotland is getting them enough game time.
“From ages 16 to 18 years they seem to do okay. But from 18 to 21 where do they get minutes? Are they playing enough, do they go out on loan to get their chance?
“That’s where we need more young players to do what Ross has done at Rangers. He has been patient but has grabbed his chance when it came.”
