Ross McCausland on his rapid Rangers rise as 'buzzing' prospect left stunned by Northern Ireland senior call

The youngster has been propelled into the Ibrox first-team by Philippe Clement and earned his first senior cap against Finland.

Rangers youngster Ross McCausland’s has continued his dream rise after earning his first Northern Ireland cap.

And the Ibrox prospect paid tribute to his parents after making his first senior appearance for his country in the 4-0 defeat to Finland. The 20-year-old made the step up from the under-21s to Michael O’Neill’s full team for the Euro 2024 qualifiers away to Finland and will be in with the chance of another appearance at home to Denmark.

McCausland had been selected for Northern Ireland’s under-21 clash with England before a phone call from the Head of International Administration David Currie following his impressive display in the Scottish Premiership win over Livingston. And speaking after his full debut for his country, McCausland said: “It has been a dream from a very young age to make my senior Northern Ireland debut and to do that is a proud moment for me and my family.

"This week I was supposed to join up with the 21s and then David Currie gave me a phone call after the Livingston game and said ‘Michael wants to bring you in’, and I was so chuffed because I didn’t think I could get to a higher point than what I had been for that whole week, coming on in the Europa League a short while ago and then getting my first start for Rangers so I was buzzing.

“When David phoned me the first thing I did was phone my mum. My mum was actually working the night shift so I phoned my dad and my mum found out later. My dad was over the moon. I think that has been one of his dreams as well to see his son play for Northern Ireland and I’m glad I could do that for him.”