Highly-rated Charlie McCann admits he isn't getting carried away after making his first start for Rangers as he targets his first senior Northern Ireland cap.
Gio van Bronckhorst raised some eyebrows when he rang the changes against Dundee United in the final game before the international break, with youngsters McCann and Leon King given the nod ahead of several senior Ibrox stars. However, the 20-year-old midfielder impressed in the middle of the park as he made his second first-team appearance of the campaign, having come off the bench in the Premier Sports Cup victory over Queen of the South.
The former Manchester United kid is looking to following up his Rangers breakthrough with his first senior Northern Ireland appearance in the Nations League clash with Greece. McCann was part of Ian Baraclough’s senior squad the first time in June but he did not manage any game time during the four games.
McCann started the international break in the U21 squad, but was promoted by the former Motherwell boss. Despite hype ramping up over the potential of the player, McCann himself has move to temper expectations.
He reckons his chance at Rangers has come at the right time, but admits he still has plenty of work to do before being a mainstay in Van Bronckhorst's first XI. He told The Belfast Telegraph : “It’s been a great week for me.
"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.”
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