Barrie’s out to be a hero from the off
BARRIE McKAY snubbed Hibs for Hearts then urged Robbie Neilson to give him the chance to become an instant derby day hero.
The Jambos fought off competition, including a late bid from their city rivals, to sign the former Rangers winger on a two-year contract.
McKay is now in line to make his debut on Sunday when second-placed Hearts host the league leaders at Tynecastle.
The 26-year-old said: “It is up to the manager but if you can play in the derby and get the right result there then things can only go up.
“I feel fit. I have been working hard on my own. I had to keep fit so when I did get the opportunity I was ready to go.”
McKay has been a free agent since leaving Swansea in the summer and he added: “It has been a long time coming.
“There was a bit of interest in January and all summer. It was all about picking the right thing and Hearts was the right thing at this moment.
“The interest has been there a while. I never wanted to rush into anything. I wanted to size up my options then pick what was the best one for me – and it was Hearts.
“The boss wants me to come in and express myself. I can bring something different to the options he has already.
“I just want to repay the faith he has put in me by bringing me here.”
Jambos sporting director Joe Savage told how Hearts beat off interest from Hibs to land McKay and can’t wait to see the impact he makes.
Savage said: “We beat off interest from near, in fact very near, and afar to get Barrie’s signature. We’re very happy to have done so.
“Barrie is an exciting player and one I am sure will light up Tynecastle when he takes to the pitch.”