Charlie McCann persuaded by Rangers team mate Steven Davis to make Northern Ireland switch

Steven Davis played his part in helping rising Rangers star Charlie McCann switch international allegiance from Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.

Davis, captain for his country, and national team boss and former Motherwell gaffer Ian Baraclough made personal pitches .

And their persuasive powers worked as the 19-year-old made his decision to cross from the Republic of Ireland to the north.

McCann qualifies for Northern Ireland through his parents and Baraclough and his coach Jimmy Nicholl both recently met McCann in Scotland.

They were backed up by their skipper and his Rangers teammate Davis.

Rangers are currently helping McCann in making the switch and to get his documentation in place for FIFA to rubber-stamp the move.

The talented midfielder, who was born in Coventry, moved to Ibrox from Manchester United last year and made his first-team debut in the Scottish Cup win over Annan Athletic.

Republic of Ireland’s under-21 boss Jim Crawford broke the bombshell news.

Crawford, speaking to the League of Ireland Central Podcast, confirmed: ”I spoke to Charlie a few weeks ago," said the Republic's Under-21 boss.

"It's unfortunate that he's looking now to go and play with Northern Ireland.

“This was the danger of the 2002 group that hasn't been involved in international football for so long )because of the pandemic).

"I had to say to Charlie that you have to realise that we have Gavin Kilkenny, Conor Coventry, Ross Tierney, Dawson Devoy, Will Smallbone, these players that are all really talented players.

"Charlie is a very good player as well but unfortunately he didn't get ahead of them."

McCann will have to wait for his international paperwork to be completed before he can play for Northern Ireland.