Charlie McCann is well aware of the platform that he has been exposed to with first team action at Rangers but the midfielder appears focused to avoid the pitfalls of getting carried away.
Development – that was one of the key points from the Coventry-born player who has gained the trust of Giovanni van Bronckhorst to enable him to start in a Premiership game at Ibrox. Especially off the back of the Champions League defeat to Napoli and the customary demands from the supporters as ever, on Edmiston Drive.
In the game against Dundee United, the 20-year old did not look out of place. He made his mark and will even be disappointed that he did not grab a goal for himself in the second half.
McCann reflected on the week that was, as he made his full debut for Rangers followed by the head to head against Scotland with NI U21’s, as told to the Belfast Telegraph:
“Making my Rangers debut was a dream come true, and then to come here and win another cap for Northern Ireland (U21s) was pretty special.”
“I think my Rangers debut came at the right time. It was a nice reward for my hard work, but I also understand that I’m still developing. My plan is to work hard and hope that I will get more chances for both club and country.”
“My next goal is to win a senior cap. I was with the squad for the Nations League games in June and I was slightly disappointed that I didn’t win my first cap then, but it was not something I was counting on. I think if I keep developing and keep playing for both my club and at Under 21 level, it will happen in good time.”
In recent days, the former Man United youth was integral to the NI team in the games against Scotland, a 3-1 defeat in Belfast which was followed by a 1-1 draw at St. Mirren.
Very good display from our u21's, a draw was a fair result, Credit to John Schofield for making his team play football, hoofball nowhere to be seen. Dale Taylor superb, Charlie McCann a class act & will be in the seniors very soon, Ross McCausland dangerous throughout the game
— NornIronFootball 🇬🇧 ⚽️ (@NornIronFan) September 25, 2022
Against Dundee United, there were some suggestions that McCann should have deployed more as an ‘8’ rather than the more advanced position that he appeared to be deployed in. There may be some merit to that but overall he showed what he is capable of and the varied skill set that he has as a very capable operator.
There is much more to come from this very exciting prospect for club and country.