McCausland: Rangers bench have compared Clinton Nsiala to Virgil Van Dijk

Ross McCausland revealed the Rangers bench have been comparing Clinton Nsiala favourably with Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk since breaking into the Gers first team.

The 21-year-old French defender was signed as a project player from AC Milan in the summer but was drafted into the Gers first team amid a defensive injury crisis, making his first senior appearance ever in the 1-Premiership draw against Dundee on Tayside last week.

Nsiala kept his place for the home wins over St Johnstone and Aberdeen and impressed McCausland and his fellow substitutes, earning him comparisons with the former Celtic defender.

Ahead of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against Highland League outfit Fraserburgh at Ibrox on Sunday, the 21-year-old Northern Ireland international said: “Yeah, he’s been amazing.

“Just even in the past few games, us watching him on the bench, were saying he was like (Virgil) Van Dijk, a left-footed Van Dijk.

“So it’s good to see that he’s ready for his opportunity and he’s certainly took it.”

McCausland has frustratingly but understandably had to play second fiddle this season to Czech Republic winger Vaclav Cerny – on loan from Wolfsburg and a key player for manager Philippe Clement – but hopes to get some game time against Fraserburgh.

The winger said: “I think as a footballer, you know there’s going to be periods in your career where you’re not going to play and I’m not playing as much as I would like.

“But, Vaclav, who’s playing in my position, has been incredible for us for a number of months.

“So, that’s someone I can look up to every day and sort of learn off in terms of doing different things and you just need to sort of hold on, hold tight and work hard.

“If selected, it’s an opportunity for myself to go out and show that I’m ready and I’m back to full fitness from my injury and stuff like that. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”