Ross McCausland set for Rangers contract talks as Philippe Clement makes keeping rising star a top priority

McCausland has made an impact on the first-team scene and Philippe Clement is determined to keep hold of him.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement wants to tie up Ibrox youngster Ross McCausland on a new contract.

The 20-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season - when Gers could lose him for as little as £300,000 in compensation. And after making an impact under new gaffer Clement, Record Sport understands clubs in the UK and Europe have now been alerted to his availability. That’s why Rangers chiefs will sit down this week with McCausland and his representatives to try and thrash out a long-term deal.

Rangers signed the Northern Irish kid from Linfield for around £60,000 in 2019. McCausland was given his first team debut by Gio van Bronckhorst in May 2022 in a game against Hearts at Tynecastle. Then a year later, Michael Beale gave him a chance at Easter Road in a 3-1 victory over Hibs. But McCausland has made more of an impression this season.

Under interim boss Steven Davis, the boyhood Rangers fan featured against St Mirren in the Premiership and Aris Limassol in the Europa League. And since Clement has been appointed, he’s come off the bench in wins against Hibs, Hearts and Dundee.

The youngster is now attracting attention from English and European sides with his contract running down. But after Sunday's Viaplay Cup semi-final showdown with Hearts at Hampden - with McCausland set to feature - the Belgian boss is keen to ensure he stays at Ibrox beyond next summer.