Barrie’s maul to play for

Barrie McKay insists nothing can faze him after being on the end of a 10-2 mauling.

So he’s not concerned by Rangers’ stuttering start to the season.

The Ibrox ace was on loan at Morton when they were trounced at Hamilton in May 2014.

But the winger has bounced back and been a revelation for Mark Warburton as Rangers climbed the leagues.

He’s now on the fringes of Gordon Strachan’s Scotland squad and says it won’t be long before his club start to hit top gear.

McKay said: “The ups and downs I’ve had so far in my career help me cope with setbacks like we’ve had this season.

“A relegation battle with Morton helped me see that side of football.

“I’ve probably seen every side of the game already. It helps me deal with the good and bad.

“Remember, I played in that 10-2 game for Ton. You can cope with almost anything after that.

“Back then I definitely felt a million miles from being a Scotland player.

“I can look back at that and compare it to where I am now. It’s a massive difference.

“This season, because we haven’t been winning games as comfortably as last year, I’ve maybe been trying too hard. My decision-making could be better at times.

“Teams are fitter and more organised in the Premiership. They’re sitting in against us. It’s harder for us to break them down but once we hit top form we’ll be okay.”

McKay is in contention for this week’s Scotland qualifier against Lithuania at Hampden.

He said: “It’s up to me to push myself. I have to play better for Rangers and show Strachan I’m ready for Scotland.”