Rangers winger Ross McCausland was dropped by Northern Ireland ahead of the nation’s impressive win over Denmark in Belfast.
The young Ibrox academy attacker, 20, had been handed a full Northern Ireland debut by Michael O’Neill in a dispiriting 4-0 European Championship qualifying defeat to Finland last week.
But the nation has fought back to end their Euro 2024 campaign on a high courtesy of an impressive 2-0 win over Denmark.
Ross McCausland was an unused substitute in the Northern Ireland victory which saw young Standard Liege talent Isaac Price and Bolton striker Dion Charles score the goals.
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley was also making his first senior appearance for the Denmark national team, with Northern Ireland somewhat spoiling the Parkhead star’s big day.
The result means Northern Ireland finish 5th in Group H after a disappointing campaign, with Denmark qualifying as group winners and Slovenia pipping Finland to 2nd place.
Ross McCausland sent Northern Ireland reminder
Whilst Ross McCausland was thrown into the Northern Ireland team almost as quickly as he broke through at Rangers, he’s been a served a reality check by manager Michael O’Neill.
No-one will be guaranteed a start at international level and whilst McCausland has been rewarded for his Rangers form this is just a taste of what’s to come.
Ross McCausland faced a tough test in Helsinki before missing out on a legendary victory in Belfast and Rangers fans will be hoping the last fortnight has whet the youngster’s appetite.
The former Linfield winger must stay focused on his football at Ibrox to in turn get chances with Northern Ireland and it’s on the Rangers talent to find that consistency.
If Ross McCausland is going to be a success at Rangers, then he will need to buck a recent trend at Ibrox when it comes to the club’s breakthrough stars.
Rangers talent a man in demand?
As the international break rolls to an end, Northern Ireland winger Ross McCausland has some big decisions to make at Rangers.
Reports have suggested that Rangers want the winger to sign a three-year deal, with Ross’ contract up in the summer and the Ibrox side due a £300k development fee in the event of any switch.
There have also been recent reports of interest from the likes of Brentford in the Premier League and it’s hard for a young player to stay focused around such a buzz.
The challenge for Ross McCausland is to keep his feet on the ground after breaking through into the Rangers squad, making his Northern Ireland debut and being linked to the big money down south.
Ross McCausland has made nine appearances in total for Rangers and joined the club from Linfield in 2019.
