Philippe Clement must keep faith in Ross McCausland despite what Rangers ace did v St Johnstone

Philippe Clement’s arrival at Rangers has been a great catalyst for Ross McCausland and the winger’s development.

 

The 21-year-old now has 52 first-team appearances to his name, with many also coming in European competitions, notching six goals and seven assists across the board.

While 13 goal contributions in 52 games may seem like little to shout home about, it is rather impressive for a youngster to do, especially a goal or assist every 180 minutes [Transfermarkt].

 

He was already being praised as “very impressive” during the 2023/24 season [Laura Hunter via Sky Sports], and that trend is only bound to continue at Ibrox.

 

However, the loan signing of Vaclav Cerny has introduced a new challenger on the right flank, which forced the Northern Ireland international onto the opposite flank during the 2-0 win over St Johnstone.

Ross McCausland disappoints in Rangers v St Johnstone

While his competitor, Cerny, won the Man of the Match award with a well-taken brace [FotMob], McCausland was hooked at half-time, being replaced by Ianis Hagi.

 

In his 45 minutes on the pitch, the young winger did manage to hit the target with 100 per cent of his shots, also creating two chances and completing 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles [FotMob].

His other stats, though, clearly did not reach the required standards to remain on the pitch. The winger completed 0 per cent of his crosses and long balls, committed four fouls and only won 38 per cent of his ground duels.

McCausland finished the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season with a 75 per cent shot accuracy and even won 76 per cent of his tackles [FotMob], so Clement knows exactly what he is capable of.

That is exactly why the Belgian needs to keep faith in his young star, rather than dropping him to the bench as the Gers prepare to face Kilmarnock after the international break.

 

In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement risks losing an “incredibly impressive” Gers gem after new transfer admission emerges.