Olwethu Makhanya has certainly earned his chance with South Africa on the strength of his Rangers form. But he also has the club to thank for getting him there.
Earning just his second and third caps for his country in recent days, the 22-year-old looks like he could go on to become a mainstay at international level as well as for his club. He started in AFCON qualifying wins over Guinea and Eritrea as Bofana Bofana took control of their group.
Makhanya was previously playing regularly in MLS with Philadelphia Union but only managed to earn one cap, and was an unused substitute all the way through the summer's World Cup finals.
Former Manchester United and South Africa midfielder Quinton Fortune reckons simply moving to a club like Rangers and being recognised on that stage has helped Makhanya's international chances.
Seaking exclusively to the Rangers Review via BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds, Fortune said: "It does help when you sign for Rangers and move to Europe. With all respect to MLS, it's great being there, but it's not as competitive, moving to Europe puts you in a bigger shop window.
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"People sit back and notice that Makhanya hasn't gone to just any club, he's gone to Rangers with their incredible history. Playing Scottish football is very tough and competitive, and I'm sure there will be loads of teams keeping an eye on him."
Like his defensive partner Emmanual Fernandez, Makhanya has already been touted as someone who could make Rangers big money.
Fortune could see a big move happening - if he maintains the form he has shown so far in a blue shirt.
"Teams around Europe, not just in the Premier League, will be watching him because he's a very good defender and he's still only 22 years old, so he's only going to improve.
"Makhanya couldn't have put himself in a better position because Scotland is right next to the Premier League in England, and people know each other.
"The Scottish league is on TV all the time, so if he does well, which I'm sure he will continue doing, there will be teams in the Premier League looking at him. It won't just be the Premier League, teams all over Europe will be interested if he's performing at the highest level," he added.
