McKAY: I’LL PROVE KARANKA WRONG
SUNNY skies, golden sands and European football – Barrie McKay could have had it all.
However, the 23-yearold is adamant he has unfinished business in the Championship and that he couldn’t turn down the chance to be a part of Graham Potter’s Swansea revamp.
This summer, the onetime Scotland international wanted out of Nottingham Forest, where he had fallen out of favour under boss Aitor Karanka, and came close to joining Greek giants Olympiacos, who are involved in this season’s Europa League.
Instead though, former Rangers man McKay headed to the Liberty Stadium for an undisclosed fee at the end of last month – and has his sights set on showing Forest what they’re missing.
“For me to come here and play for a manager with Graham’s philosophy is playing to my strengths,” said the Swans winger.
“I had other offers. I went out to Olympiacos and had a look around the facilities. There was interest in me but once I knew that Swansea were interested, I kind of just looked to coming here and prove myself.
“I wanted to show what I can do in the Championship. Things went really well at Forest for six months and then the change of manager did not really work in my favour.
“It’s just the way football is. The harsh reality is your career goes on the opinion of one guy and unfortunately, for me, (Karanka’s] opinion was different to the last manager.
“So I want to show I can do well at this level over a full season – not just six months.”
McKay is also hoping to dovetail effectively with striker Oli McBurnie, 22.
He added: “I’ve played with him at Scotland U21 level and we linked up quite well.”