Barry Ferguson is a big fan of Rangers youngster Ross McCausland.

The Ibrox starlet has burst onto the scene under new boss Philippe Clement and even recently made his debut for Northern Ireland against Finland.

And the former Light Blues captain feels the 20-year-old shares similarities with Rangers hero Neil McCann

Writing in his Daily Record column, he said: "When I looked around that dressing room before a game and saw Terry pulling on the shirt, I knew there was a guy we could rely on 100 per cent.

"And that brings me back to my compliment to McCausland because when I was watching him at Livingston the other week, I saw Neil McCann screaming out of him.

"Don’t get me wrong, the young man has a long, long way to go in his Rangers career before he’s up there with my old mate.

"But when I say he’s got all the attributes required to make a similar kind of impact at the club, I honestly can’t think of any higher accolade.

"Like Terry, he’s an out and out winger with pace to burn and an eye for goal. Every time he gets on the ball he looks to get forward, take on his full-back and make things happen.

"But it’s the work he puts in when he’s not in possession which has really caught my eye and makes me think back to when McCann first came to Ibrox.

"The similarities are frightening and you can see from the way the Rangers fans have responded to him in these early stages how excited they are about his potential."

Ferguson also highlighted the fact that the midfielder does not have long left on his deal, with his contract set to expire next summer.

And the 45-year-old hopes McCausland stays at Ibrox. "So, like them, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the boy has got good people advising him as he contemplates the next stage of his career," he continued.

"McCausland has only got another six months left on his current contract and already the rumour mill has started up with the likes of Brentford and a number of teams in Italy said to be showing interest.

"I have absolutely no doubt that they are. The Scottish market is now seen as rich pickings especially after the success of the likes of my nephew Lewis, Aaron Hickey and Josh Doig.

"And McCausland has shown enough in a short space of time to suggest he’s more than worth a punt.

"But he also has to think about what’s best for his career and, while I have no doubt he could follow the likes of Lewis to Serie A, he shouldn’t be in any rush to move on at this early stage in his development.

"The three players I mention may have been young when they made the move to Italy but they were already established first team players here in Scotland.

"Young Ross, on the other hand, has only one top team start under his belt. People like to accuse football players of ‘chasing the coin’ but that’s a phrase I can’t stand.

"Philippe Clement might keep his cards close to his chest in front of the media but the Belgian has already made it clear that he wants this kid to sign a new deal. I

"If I was on the Rangers board, I wouldn’t want to let the manager down!"