Steven Davis played a part in helping young Rangers star Charlie McCann switch from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
International captain Davis and national team manager Ian Baraclough made personal pitches to the 19-year-old who has pledged his football future to the Irish FA.
McCann - who has played for the Republic at underage level - qualifies for Northern Ireland through his parents and Baraclough and his coach Jimmy Nicholl both recently met McCann in Scotland.
Read more: Republic of Ireland teenager Charlie McCann makes switch to Northern Ireland
They were backed up by their skipper and his Rangers teammate Davis, reports the Daily Record.
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 under-21 boss Jim Crawford confirmed the news on the League of Ireland Central Podcast.
Crawford said: ”I spoke to Charlie a few weeks ago.
"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.
Read more: N Ireland manager Ian Baraclough reportedly monitoring international future of Rangers teen
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