Sources: Rangers sensation Michael Ihmig at centre of three-way international battle

Scotland, Northern Ireland and South Africa are battling to secure the international allegiance of Rangers gem Michael Ihmig, sources have told Football Insider.

The 15-year-old has already represented all three countries at youth level, and they are keen for him to commit his long-term future as part of their long-term planning.

Rangers poached Ihmig from Old Firm rivals Celtic during the summer in what was seen as a major coup for the Ibrox club, who have high hopes for his development.

Those hopes are shared by his national teams, who are all working hard to tie down his allegiance, with the winger not having yet decided on where his future lies.

Ihmig, who has South African parents, most recently represented Northern Ireland's Under-15s back in March, but was called up for Scotland's Under-16s on 17 October.

That would hint that he is currently eyeing a future in Sebastien Pocognoli's side, but having represented all three countries, he could be set to change his mind again.

Why is Michael Ihmig so highly regarded?

Ihmig is extremely highly regarded at youth level, having impressed watching scouts and coaches with his performances both for club and country in recent months.

The fact that three international setups are pushing for him to commit his long-term future to their plans underlines how highly regarded he is both domestically and abroad.

His performances at youth level for his clubs have also raised eyebrows, as reports suggest the winger scored and set up a combined 28 goals and assists in 20 games last season.

Having since made the switch from Celtic to Rangers, there are high hopes for his development at Ibrox, where coaches believe he can grow into a top player in the future.

Those views are shared by the hierarchies at the Scotland, Northern Ireland and South Africa national teams, all of whom believe he could be a key player one day.

Which Rangers stars could Ihmig follow in the footsteps of?

Rangers have a fantastic record when it comes to producing players who have gone on to represent Scotland and Northern Ireland, including some of the club's biggest legends.

The likes of Allan McGregor and Barry Ferguson were heavily capped for Scotland after coming through in Govan, while Steven Davies is among the Northern Ireland representatives.

In the current first-team setup, meanwhile, they have Olwethu Makhanya who represents South Africa, and could one day link up with Ihmig for Bafana Bafana.

Makhanya has been outstanding for Rangers since his joined in the summer, which has led to suggestions of a big-money move away, but Rangers are determined to keep him.