Charlie McCann's Rangers progress prompts Northern Ireland interest as Ian Baraclough runs rule over trio of Ibrox starlets

Rangers youngster Charlie McCann is wanted by Northern Ireland with Ian Baraclough hoping the teenage midfielder will switch international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland.

McCann was watched by Baraclough and his assistant Jimmy Nicholl as he starred in Rangers B team’s 2-0 win over Broomhill in the Lowland League on Friday night.

The Northern Ireland bosses also cast an eye over youth internationals Kyle McClelland and Ross McCausland in the victory in Alloa as they look to the future.

But it was 19-year-old McCann, who made his Gers top team debut as a second half sub in the Scottish Cup win at Annan last month, who stood out.

Baraclough could be tempted to freshen up his squad with younger players for a friendly double header at the end of the month.

Northern Ireland are out of the running for a place at the World Cup later this year but have friendlies away to Luxembourg and at home to Hungary arranged.

Former Manchester United youngster McCann is highly-rated at Ibrox after making the move north last summer.

The English-born playmaker turned out for England at U16 level before declaring for Ireland who he has represented up to U19 level. But he also qualifies for Northern Ireland.

Defender McClelland, 20, made his Northern Ireland U21 debut in a 3-0 European Championship qualifying defeat to Spain last October.

Midfielder McCausland has turned out regularly for the NI U19 side.

Baraclough and Nicholl also took in Kilmarnock’s 0-0 draw with Dunfermline on Saturday with Kyle Lafferty starting up front for Killie and Lewis McCann - who has four Northern Ireland U21 caps - leading the line for the Pars.