DANNY: McKAY CAN INSPIRE GERS KIDS
DANNY WILSON hopes the next generation of Rangers kids are inspired by Barrie McKay’s rise to prominence at Ibrox this term.
The winger has enjoyed a terrific campaign under boss Mark Warburton and took home the PFA Scotland Goal of the Season award on Sunday night.
McKay was in the running for the Young Player of the Year prize but did collect the Gers’ gong for the top up-and-coming
talent after a string of superb performances for the Light Blues.
The 21-year-old has been an integral part of Warburton’s side as Rangers have clinched the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup and progressed to the Scottish Cup final with victory over Old Firm rivals Celtic at Hampden.
And Wilson is delighted that McKay has made the most of his chance to shine this term after spending the last two campaigns out on loan at Morton and Raith Rovers as he fell down the Ibrox pecking order.
He said: “If you look at the way Barrie’s career has panned out, when he came back last summer, it was going to go one of two ways for him and, to his credit, he’s been one of our best players this season.
“Rightly, he’s been acknowledged by his fellow professionals by being one of the best young players. He’s been terrific.
“Boys coming though should look at Barrie’s example because you shouldn’t give up.
“Sometimes when you are young and things don’t quite go for you, it’s too easy just to throw the toys out of the pram and say ‘oh well this manager doesn’t fancy me’.
“But every manager has got a different opinion and fortunately for Barrie, our manager saw something in him ad he’s been one of our key players all season.”
After helping Rangers secure their Premiership return last month, McKay will now look to inspire the Light Blues to Scottish Cup success when they face Hibernian at Hampden on May 21.
Boss Warburton is hoping to add another half-a-dozen players to his Ibrox ranks over the summer to ensure his side are in shape to challenge for the top flight crown and embark on a potential Europa League campaign.