Ross McCausland has made just one appearance under Derek McInnes and has been told his Northern Ireland prospects are in the balance

Ross McCausland has been told may have to sacrifice his Rangers future to save his international career.

The Northern Ireland winger returned to Ibrox this summer after spending last year on loan at Aris Limassol.

But so far he’s found it difficult to break into Derek McInnes’ Light Blues line-up, with his only appearance a goal-scoring substitute display in Gers’ Premier Sports Cup drubbing of St Mirren.

It’s also almost a year since his last involvement in Michael O’Neill’s Norn Iron squad but his former team-mate Conor Washington believes McCausland can resurrect his cap dreams.

However, he reckons he may have to give up hopes of starring at Ibrox to make that happen.

Former Hearts frontman Washington - speaking to BestBettingBonuses.co.uk - said: “I remember Ross coming into the Northern Ireland squad and being really impressed with him.

“He looked sharp in training, was really direct and wasn't afraid to get at people.

“He had that confidence to take players on and make things happen, which is something you always want from a wide player.

“I'm not necessarily surprised that he's found it difficult to establish himself at Rangers, because it's a tough environment for any young player, particularly when the team isn't doing well.

"When results aren't going your way, there's huge pressure on managers to turn things around, and sometimes younger players are the easiest ones to leave out.

“There's less patience for mistakes and development almost becomes secondary to getting results.

“I certainly don't think it's a question of whether he's got the ability. I saw enough of him with Northern Ireland to know there's a really talented player there.

“It's probably more about finding the right environment where he can play regularly, build confidence and get back to doing the things that made him stand out in the first place.

“Whether that's at Rangers or somewhere else, I think regular football is the most important thing for him at this stage of his career.

“He's still got plenty of time on his side and I certainly wouldn't be writing him off in terms of getting back into the Northern Ireland squad.”