Rangers captain James Tavernier has singled out young Ross McCausland for praise with new Ibrox boss Philippe Clement looking to make use of the entire squad at his disposal.
While the depth at the Belgian’s disposal might not yet rival that of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic – a team who can afford to leave the likes of David Turnbull, Anthony Ralston and Oh-Hyeon Gyu in reserve – Wednesday’s 5-0 dashing of Dundee will certainly have boosted Clement’s confidence in some of Rangers’ lesser-lights and fringe players.
Leon Balogun was excellent in his first appearance since a cup tie with Morton in August. Scott Wright caught the eye too – the darting wideman putting that failed move to Pendikspor behind him – while Ryan Jack came into the XI and scored in the injury-enforced absence of Nicolas Raskin.
There was also a brief cameo, at Dens Park, for 20-year-old Ross McCausland.
The baby-faced winger has featured in each of Rangers’ last four Premiership games, earning Tavernier’s admiration along the way.
“Yeah, I think you’ve seen rotation in the squad already,” the skipper tells Rangers Review ahead of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup semi-final against Hearts. “Leon (Balogun) came back into the squad. I think Ross (McCausland) has done really well, a young lad coming into the team.
“Scotty (Wright) has come in. Jacko (Ryan Jack) has come in. It’s a team game, and we need everybody. The gaffer will have his own tactics for different games and what he wants from different people
And we’ve all got to be ready for when asked for.”
Philippe Clement a fan of the youngster
McCausland has already played more league games under Clement than he did under predecessor Mick Beale, and further opportunities could be on the way with Rabbi Matondo yet to return from a hamstring injury.
“In Monaco, I had 17-year-olds starting. In Brugges the same. At Genk, also young players,” Clement explains, making it clear that he belongs to the ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ way of thinking.
“For me, it is not important if you are 17 or 37. It is what you prove on the pitch
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