Rangers enjoyed a comfortable win over Livingston at the Toni Macaroni Arena with the starting debut of Ross McCausland a particular highlight.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international has been impressive since Philippe Clement arrived and he deserved the chance to prove that he is good enough to be considered a first-team regular.
With the Rangers manager giving his verdict on Ross McCausland after the game, it’s safe to say that he has been given a standard to maintain if he is to keep his place, via Rangers TV.
Rangers manager gives Ross McCausland verdict
What has been pleasing about McCausland’s cameos is that he has been composed whenever he has had the ball.
He’s never looked rushed and has shown a maturity greater than some of his more experienced teammates, it’s little wonder the manager is keen for him to stay.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, the Rangers boss was pleased with what he saw from Ross McCausland:
“He did what I expected him to do, he’s very disappointed his goal was disallowed of course.
“I think he can do better, he has more potential.
“I’m also somebody who gives chances to young players who show the right mentality in training, who do the right things and work hard for the team.
“That is what he has done in training and in the moments he’s come on, he’s been bright and lively.
“He played with personality and worked hard for the team so then I give chances.
“That will continue if he continues in this way.”
In every Rangers game that Ross McCausland has played, he has created chances for other players.
It was the same against Livingston, it was his driving run that won the first penalty and he was unlucky not to open his goalscoring account.
There were occasions where the easy option was to throw in a hopeful cross but he would hold onto the ball and wait for support before trying to build a more clinical phase of play.
At a time when home grown players are at a premium, having one that we can trust to make a genuine contribution is another positive at a time when confidence is growing.
