Rangers fans don’t always agree but not signing any wingers to replace Ryan Kent or Fashion Salaka in the summer is one that everyone questioned, even with Ross McCausland waiting for his chance.
Michael Beale tried every combination of forwards that he had available to him but his replacement as Gers boss has found a solution that he never considered.
With Rangers announcing that Ross McCausland has agreed a contract extension until 2027, Philippe Clement has shown that he is a man of his word.
Rangers need to repeat Ross McCausland progress
The Belgian has spoken about being in an assessment period as he looks to see who has what it takes to be a long-term feature in his squad.
Not only has McCausland, who was being chased by Brentford, impressed enough to be trusted to start a difficult away fixture but he is also a player that the Light Blues gaffer is willing to turn to when he wants to change a game.
With his form also being rewarded by getting his first cap for Northern Ireland.
Rangers need more academy products like Ross McCausland to make the grade and the 20-year old is keen not to rest on his laurels:
“I’m extremely grateful to the new manager for giving me an opportunity in recent weeks, and I want to repay him and everyone at the club with my performances on the pitch in the years to come.”
What Clement has done is prove that young players will be given the chance to make an impact and, if they do, they will be rewarded accordingly, something the Rangers boss was quick to point out when talking about Ross McCausland:
“I am really pleased with the progress Ross has made in recent weeks, and he is deserving of this new contract.
“I have been clear that young players will be given an opportunity at this club if they show the right qualities and work ethic, and Ross has done that.
“Ross is a talented young player, and I think it is an important step from the club to move to secure his future here.”
Players from the academy should always make up a large percentage of the first-team squad.
They don’t all need to be Barry Ferguson or Alan Hutton but, as McCausland has shown with his creativity, if they can contribute in a positive fashion, money can be saved on squad players who are usually only called upon in an injury crisis.
Successful Rangers teams in the past were littered with players like Ross McCausland who came up through the ranks, hopefully, this is a return to those days, in more ways than one.
