Ross McCausland has been urged to find the right environment to resurrect his international career, with his future at Rangers looking uncertain due to a lack of first-team action. The 23-year-old winger has made just one appearance this season, scoring in the Premier Sports Cup win over St Mirren, but has not played a single minute in the Premiership under manager Derek McInnes.
McCausland is an academy graduate who returned to Ibrox in the summer after a loan spell with Aris Limassol in Cyprus. He has admitted he may need a fresh start to revive a career that once saw him break into the Rangers first team and earn five caps for Northern Ireland. His last international appearance was over two years ago, as a late substitute in a Nations League defeat to Bulgaria.
Washington’s advice
Conor Washington, the former Hearts striker who played alongside McCausland on his Northern Ireland debut in November 2023, has offered his assessment. Washington said he saw a really talented player during their time together with the national team, recalling that McCausland looked sharp, direct and confident in training.
He is not necessarily surprised the winger has found it difficult to establish himself at Ibrox, describing it as a tough environment for any young player, especially when results are most important. Washington stressed that regular football is the most important thing for McCausland at this stage, arguing he needs to find a setting where he can play with greater freedom, rebuild his confidence and rediscover the qualities that brought him to international attention. Washington added that McCausland still has plenty of time and he would not write him off for returning to the Northern Ireland squad.
Current context at Ibrox
Breaking into a Rangers side in such strong form presents a significant challenge. The team is second in the Premiership with 19 points from eight games and is on a five-match winning streak. Their latest victory was a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, with Ryan Naderi scoring twice to take his season tally to four goals.
McCausland was named on the bench for a Europa League qualifier in mid-August but has not been involved since his cup outing. With his contract expiring next summer, the coming months are critical for his career trajectory. Rangers' immediate focus is on maintaining their title challenge, with a trip to face fourth-placed Dundee next on the fixtures schedule. Ross McCausland is out of contract in the summer.
Background and full detail: glasgowworld.com
