If it wasn’t for Steven Davis, who knows when Ross McCausland would’ve made the breakthrough for Rangers.
Or even if.
The Northern Irish legend, 39, gave the young Linfield Academy graduate his chance at Ibrox in that brief interim stint in charge of the club in October.
Since Davis gave McCausland that opportunity, the kid has not looked back.
Undoubtedly Rangers’ breakthrough star of the season, the young Northern Irish winger has been a regular feature under Philippe Clement ever since the Belgian manager took over at Ibrox.
Now, the man who gave him his first opportunity in Govan is backing the 20-year-old to come up big for Rangers in the final few weeks of the season.
Davis: McCausland has big Rangers role to play
As quoted by the National, Steven Davis has heaped the praise on Ross McCausland after handing him a breakthrough at Rangers this season.
Since then the winger has gone on to make an impressive 35 appearances for the club this season and even signed a new contract at Ibrox, staving off reported interest from Newcastle United.
Once again quizzed on his countryman – who earned a first Northern Ireland cap this campaign to top things off – Davo reckons young Ross has a bright future in the game.
The Rangers legend has also predicted that the winger could still have a big say in where the two remaining trophies end up this season.
“I think the future is bright, it’s up to him now to try and maintain that and kick on again,” said Davis.
“He got the opportunity under me to come into the side and when Philippe came in he really liked what he saw and what he could bring to the team in terms of his creativity and runs in behind.
“He’s played in some big games now, he’s picked up a lot of experience in a short space of time. The injury has hindered him slightly so it’s about him finding his feet again. Ross could play a big part between now and the end of the season.”
Northern Ireland winger gets Ibrox chance
As one Northern Ireland legend bowed out of Rangers in Steven Davis this season, a bright young talent in Ross McCausland has begun to flower at Ibrox.
The Ulsterman served his country with distinction over a men’s British record 140 caps and he did so again in management by blooding one of Northern Ireland’s brightest young talents at Rangers.
But all that said, Davis is clear that it’s now up to McCausland to go and write his own story in the game.
It’s clear that Philippe Clement rates the industrious winger and heading into next season it’ll be interesting to see if young Ross can take his game to the next level.
But in the meantime there is the small matter of a Scottish Premiership to complete and a Scottish Cup to win and McCausland could still have a crucial say in where they end up this campaign.
Beyond that, if the young winger goes on to have half the impact Steven Davis had for club and country then Rangers fans have cause to be excited.
