Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill says former Northern Ireland U21 midfielder Charlie McCann has “been on our radar for a while” after joining the League Two club.

McCann, who came through the ranks at Coventry City and Manchester United, made three league appearances for Scottish giants Rangers during his two-year stay at Ibrox.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a spell at Forest Green Rovers and joins Cheltenham from relegated Barrow.

Having represented England and the Republic of Ireland at underage international level, McCann was selected for Northern Ireland’s U21s in March 2022.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Charlie McCann has joined Cheltenham Town. (Photo by Presseye/Brian Little)

McCann was called up by senior national team boss Ian Baraclough for Nations League fixtures against Cyprus and Greece later that year, where he was an unused substitute.

Reflecting on his decision to switch international allegiance, McCann, who was then aged 19, told BBC: "I think it's a great decision for me.

"It comes with a few complications but I don't think the actual changeover was too difficult.

"It was a pretty straightforward decision after speaking to the staff at Northern Ireland.

"It's a great development pathway, there's obviously the connection with Rangers and the fact my dad and all his family are from Belfast is a big factor in the decision - they are all proud of me to represent Northern Ireland."

McCann highlighted the role of Northern Ireland legend Steven Davis, who was playing for Rangers, in his decision, and the midfielder tipped his young team-mate for a bright future.

"Charlie's been training regularly with us and he's making good progress,” he said. “If he continues to acquit himself in the right way and keeps pushing himself then he's got a really good career in front of him.

"It's great to see (him switch to Northern Ireland) because of the quality he possesses and the potential he has.

"The manager's keen to give young players a chance and we've a seen a number of young players progress in the last few years.

"Hopefully Charlie can be the next one and it's not long before we see him in the senior set-up as well."

After securing the services of McCann for a “nominal fee”, Robins boss Cotterill told the club’s website: “It’s great to welcome Charlie to Cheltenham Town.

“He has been on our radar for a while and is someone I know well having worked with him previously.

“He has a great attitude, is willing to work and of course brings lots of quality with him, he played a lot of football last season, and I am looking forward to developing him further with Cheltenham Town.”