Outshining Antman: Rangers loanee is attracting “major European interest”

Rangers Find Positives in Narrow Premiership Win – But Wingers Still Underperforming

Glasgow Rangers managed to secure a narrow but important victory on the road in the Scottish Premiership last weekend, offering a few encouraging signs for manager Russell Martin and supporters alike.

The win marked the Light Blues’ first league triumph of the season after a frustrating start consisting of four draws and a defeat in their opening five matches.

One bright moment came from Oliver Antman, who registered his first goal contribution in league action.

As seen in the footage above, the Finland international showed good awareness to hook the ball back into the box, setting up James Tavernier for the opening goal against Livingston.

However, such contributions have been rare from Rangers’ wide players so far this campaign. Martin’s wingers have struggled to make an impact in the final third, and their lack of productivity has become a growing concern.

Wingers Struggling to Contribute

Antman’s assist was only the second goal contribution from a Rangers winger in six Premiership fixtures this season – a statistic that reflects poorly on the group as a whole.

As the table above highlights, Findlay Curtis remains the only other winger to have either scored or assisted in the league, having netted against St Mirren.

Simply put, the lack of end product from Rangers’ wide players has hampered their attacking efforts. If the Gers are to build any real momentum and climb the table, they’ll need far more from those playing out wide.

McCausland Outshining Rangers Wingers While on Loan

While Martin’s current options continue to misfire, one winger out on loan is proving to be far more effective. Ross McCausland, loaned to Aris Limassol for the season, is thriving in Cyprus.

The Northern Ireland international has already notched three goals and an assist in just four league appearances – doubling the combined output of all Rangers wingers in the Premiership this season, according to Sofascore.

McCausland, who previously scored seven goals and added seven assists in 66 games for Rangers (per Transfermarkt), was rarely given a proper run in his preferred right-wing role.

Last season, he made just four Premiership starts, one of which saw him deployed as a right wing-back – a match that ended with him being sent off against Aberdeen.

In hindsight, the club may regret not giving him more chances in his natural position.

Aris Likely to Make Move Permanent

Journalist Scott McBurns has reported that Aris are expected to activate their option to make McCausland’s loan move permanent in January. Moreover, the winger’s impressive form has reportedly caught the attention of top European clubs.

Despite this, Rangers are only set to receive a six-figure sum from the deal – less than £1 million – which could prove to be a short-sighted piece of business if Aris choose to flip him for a quick profit.

Given his current form, the decision to let McCausland leave – especially for a modest fee – may come back to haunt Rangers. While he didn’t fully establish himself at Ibrox, he’s now outperforming all of Martin’s current options and attracting serious interest elsewhere.

In short, Rangers’ struggles out wide this season only serve to highlight what they may have lost in McCausland – a player who is beginning to show his true potential elsewhere.