Forgotten Rangers winger needs 'right environment' to reignite international career - and that's not at Ibrox

Ross McCausland has been warned that securing consistent first-team football could prove crucial to reviving his international career, with a former Northern Ireland star convinced the Rangers winger still has plenty to offer.

The 22-year-old winger earned five caps for Northern Ireland after breaking into the Rangers first-team, quickly attracting attention with his direct running and willingness to take on defenders.

However, his progress at Ibrox has stalled in recent seasons, prompting a loan move to Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol. A permanent exit appeared likely during the summer after several clubs were reportedly linked with his signature, but McCausland remains in Glasgow despite limited opportunities under the current regime.

First-team opportunities under Derek McInnes have been scarce, with just one appearance in the Premier Sports Cup and no minutes in the Premiership. The lack of regular action has raised question marks over how he can force his way back into the national team picture.

Former Northern Ireland and Hearts striker Conor Washington remembers being impressed by McCausland when he first joined the international squad. While he believes the wide man possesses the necessary talent to return, he feels finding a club where he can play regularly is the most important next step.

“I remember Ross coming into the Northern Ireland squad and being really impressed with him,” Washington recalled. “He looked sharp in training, was really direct and wasn’t afraid to get at people. He had that confidence to take players on and make things happen, which is something you always want from a wide player.”

McCausland still has talent to force his way back into international contention

McCausland’s struggle to establish himself at Rangers has not come as a major surprise to Washington, who reckons the demands of playing for a club of that stature can make it difficult for young players to develop with results often take precedence over individual progress, leaving little room for mistakes.

He explained: “I’m not necessarily surprised that he’s found it difficult to establish himself at Rangers, because it’s a tough environment for any young player, particularly when the team isn’t doing well

“There’s less patience for mistakes and development almost becomes secondary to getting results. I certainly don’t think it’s a question of whether he’s got the ability. I saw enough of him with Northern Ireland to know there’s a really talented player there.”

Washington’s assessment suggests McCausland’s immediate priority should be finding a setting where he can play with greater freedom, rebuild his confidence and rediscover the qualities that initially brought him to international attention.

With competition for places in the Northern Ireland squad growing, a lack of regular football at club level will inevitably make it harder for McCausland to stake his claim. Yet Washington remains convinced that his prospects should not be written off.

He added: “It’s probably more about finding the right environment where he can play regularly, build confidence and get back to doing the things that made him stand out in the first place.

“He’s still got plenty of time on his side and I certainly wouldn’t be writing him off in terms of getting back into the Northern Ireland squad.”

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