Whether Barry Ferguson’s shift to a 3-4-2-1 system at Rangers is a long-term plan – or merely something to quell the threat of Celtic and Fenerbahce – only time will tell.
The Ibrox legend returned to his old stomping ground expected to fire a rocket up the proverbial backside of a squad sleepwalking to another underwhelming season. Yet, despite a CV that reads Kelty Hearts, Clyde and Alloa Athletic, Barry Ferguson went toe-to-toe with Brendan Rodgers and Jose Mourinho and came out victorious on both occasions.
A tactical mastermind? Well, it’s far too early to say. What is clear, however, is that there is more in Fergie’s locker than a ferocious team talk and an arm around the shoulder.
By Mourinho’s own admission, Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers wreaked havoc in Turkey. Both scored as Rangers secured a 3-1 first leg win, Cerny given that extra dash of freedom in more of a central role.
Mohamed Diomande flitted from influential to occasionally anonymous as part of Philippe Clement’s double pivot. He too has excelled behind Dessers, scoring at Parkhead. Gordon Dalziel thinks a five-man backline means Ferguson offset the weaknesses of Jefte, James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz too.
But there is another player – one who has featured for just three minutes under Ferguson so far – who could be the latest beneficiary of that shift away from Clement’s 4-3-3, presuming the interim boss sticks with a winning formula post-international break; Ross McCausland.
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Ross McCausland could be a Rangers wing-back under Barry Ferguson
Now, despite a difficult second season in the Rangers first-team, Ross McCausland has few complaints about Vaclav Cerny taking his place.
The Wolfsburg loanee has scored 17 goals this season, after all. An ‘incredible’ talent from whom McCausland can learn ‘amazing’ lessons.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international has started only three Premiership games since Cerny made the right-wing spot his own. Yet, there is still a way in which Ferguson – presuming he doubles down on that the 3-4-2-1 for the remainder of the campaign – can get McCausland and Cerny in the same starting XI, while maximising the strengths considerable if contrasting strengths of both players.
McCausland and Cerny are, after all, two very different breeds of winger.
Vaclav Cerny was likened to Arjen Robben this week. Cut inside and shoot; That is his party piece. McCausland is a more old-school, chalk-booted, touchline sort of winger. A right-footer who plays on the right.
McCausland likes to hold the width, beat his full-back down the outside, and fire deliveries into the box or shots across the bows of the goalkeeper.
Now, he is not immune to using his left. McCausland scored Rangers’ clincher away to Malmo in the Europa League this team with his weaker foot. An area of his game the man himself has spoken about improving on the training pitch.
But if McCausland could not oust Cerny on the right of Clement’s front three, then there may be a place for him as a right-wing back following Cerny’s move to more of a roving, right-sided number ten role.
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Barry Ferguson has already highlighted McCausland’s qualities
Looking at what managers tend to search for in a wing-back. They must be athletic and energetic enough to get up and down the flank.
They most be able to hold the width, carry the ball over lengthy distances, and contribute defensively. In short, they must possess many of the attributes McCausland displayed when bursting onto the scene in late-2023.
Arguably his most impressive performance in recent months, meanwhile, came when McCausland was introduced against Union Saint-Gilloise as a right-back during January’s 2-1 win. While far from a natural defender, he does appear a capable one.
“Our right winger plays right-back,” Clement said at full-time. “And he plays a brilliant game in that position.”
Interestingly, Barry Ferguson may have already spelled out why McCausland is particularly well-suited to playing a wing-back role in his Rangers system.
Back in 2023, after a 2-0 win at Livingston, Ferguson highlighted the qualities which make for a very effective modern wing-back, even if McCausland played as an out-and-out winger that day.
“He brought a lot of directness. He took on their full-back on a number of occasions. He took Rangers up the pitch, up 30 or 40 yards, which you want from your forward-thinking players,” Ferguson said.
“And also, what I liked about him is that he has done the other side of the game very well, getting back and helping on a number of occasions.”
If McCausland found himself stuck behind Vaclav Cerny in Clement’s formation, the return of Barry Ferguson could potentially bring about a new start, and a new position.
