Inside Ross McCausland's rise to Rangers stardom as St Mirren boss Stephen Robison lifts lid on family connection

Stephen Robinson reckons he left Northern Ireland before Ross McCausland was out of nappies.

But he was still well aware of the local kid with the ability to leave opposition defenders with their pants round their ankles – because the youngster lived just three doors down from his Uncle Fred. Robinson knows the Buddies will have to be on their guard for McCausland who celebrated signing a new deal at Rangers last week by smashing home his first goal for the club in Thursday’s Europa League draw with Aris Limassol.

His Paisley assistant Diarmuid O’Carroll also knows the player well from his work with the Northern Ireland set-up. Robinson couldn’t be happier for the 20-year-old – even if he’s hellbent on stopping him in his tracks tomorrow. Saints are looking for a first victory at Ibrox in 32 years. And Robinson said: “I’ve heard a lot of people in the local area speak about Ross. I hadn’t seen him up close at all.

“Diarmuid spoke very highly of him when he was away with Northern Ireland and he’s certainly one of many threats we need to be aware of. He actually lived three doors down from my Uncle Fred in Antrim! I didn’t know Ross, I’d probably left Northern Ireland long before he was out of nappies. But he’s done great, he’s done brilliant and it’s nice to see a young boy from Northern Ireland break through.

“He’s made his debut for Northern Ireland as well in recent weeks and scored his first goal. It’s nice to see someone from close to home do well but hopefully not too well on Sunday.”

Saints have been dealt a huge blow with the news Ryan Strain needs surgery on a groin injury picked up on Australia duty. The right back is set to miss the next three months. Richard Taylor is expected to be fit again after shaking