The Rangers sure sign that Ross McCausland is real deal as Northern Ireland boss raves about his inspiration.

Michael O’Neill says it has taken him by surprise, but seeing McCausland play every week is a welcome sight.

Michael O’Neill was taken aback by Ross McCausland’s sudden appearance in the Rangers’ first squad. But the Northern Ireland manager can’t get enough of it and believes he’s an inspiration to his international counterparts.

Since his debut start during Steven Davis’ interim reign, McCausland has thrived at Ibrox and is now a regular starter under Philippe Clement. He’s made 25 games in total, scoring twice and assisting four times, earning himself a brand new long-term contract in the process.

Furthermore, his Ibrox success has propelled him into the international spotlight, and he made his Northern Ireland debut from the start in a Euro 2024 qualifying loss to Finland in November. More could follow – if he maintains his form, he could play at Hampden when Northern Ireland meet Scotland in late March.

International manager O’Neill admits it has taken him by surprise, and he did not anticipate the 20-year-old to be given so many opportunities thus early in his career. But it’s music to his ears, and he’s urged the other young contenders to follow his lead.

O’Neill told the Belfast Telegraph: “Ross has done extremely well. He has held down a place consistently despite big competition at Rangers with their form being so good. They have picked up results and a lot of points with the new manager Philippe Clement and clearly he is a fan of Ross because he plays him in basically every game.

“What’s also good is that he plays him for 90 minutes a lot of the time which for a wide player is not always the case. I think Ross has developed a lot in the last two to three months and hopefully he brings that form and that consistency on to the international stage.

“I believe a young guy like Ross deserves an opportunity. It didn’t appear that he’d have that opportunity with the Rangers. Then it happened unexpectedly, and Steven (Davis) assisted him in that regard while serving as interim manager for two games. That provided Ross a breakthrough, and Philippe Clement maintained him on the team after that.

“Every young player needs a break whether it is at club or international level and I think Ross is a great example to a lot of our young players because he grabbed it with both hands.”

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