Ross McCausland would be “silly” not to accept a new contract from Rangers amid the current talks with the club, according to Gerard Lyttle.
The Norther Irishman’s former coach in the national academy told Mail Plus (14 November) that he is “delighted” for the 20-year-old because Philippe Clement can see where the youngster fits into his plans at Ibrox.
The new manager’s vision for McCausland is seen as “important” for the “massive future” he has ahead of him, and should impact on the contract negotiations over an extension to 2027, with his current deal up in the summer
Lyttle said: “I’m honestly delighted for Ross. And I love to see a manager having faith in young lads and not being afraid to throw them in.
“I don’t think Ross will get carried away. He’s got a good family background, which helps, and he clearly has a manager who will keep him grounded and who has an idea of where he sees him fitting into the Rangers structure.
‘That’s important. If he does take the contract — and I think he’d be silly not to — he has a massive future ahead of him if he keeps his feet on the ground.”
Clement has ticked a lot of boxes so far, both on the pitch and off it, but his decision to back up Steven Davis on McCausland’s place in the team looks like it could pay off at just the right moment.
It could easily be argued that the winger should have had his future secured long before now, especially with growing interest from the English Premier League and across Europe suggesting his talent is no secret.
Michael Beale completely overlooking him, despite both the struggles of his new signings and the general lack of width, pace and creativity during the early weeks of the season, which looks more short-sighted with each game.
The stakes have been raised by getting this close to the final six months of McCausland’s deal, and if he ends up signing a pre-contract elsewhere in January the board will be kicking themselves for allowing it to happen.
They will be in line for valid criticism in that case, especially so soon after the likes of Alfredo Morelos’ and Ryan Kent’s Rangers careers ended with free transfers after years of mooted big-money sales.
But as a Light Blues fan, and with Clement looking like the perfect manager to aid his development, it might be another indication that the club made the managerial change at the right time if it helps secure a new deal for the top academy graduate.
