The winger has five caps for Northern Ireland, with his first coming fairly quickly after he broke into Rangers’ first team.

However, McCausland fell out of the picture at Ibrox last season and moved on loan to Cypriot side Aris Limassol. A permanent transfer was expected in the summer, with a number of clubs reportedly interested, but he remains at Rangers.

McCausland has made one League Cup appearance this season and has not played in the league.

Former Northern Ireland and Hearts striker Conor Washington was impressed when McCausland first joined the international squad. He believes the winger has the ability to return to the Northern Ireland set-up, but needs regular first-team football.

Former Northern Ireland and Hearts striker Conor Washington 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.

"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.

“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.”