McKay up for derby after snubbing Hibs
BARRIE McKAY has endeared himself to Hearts fans before kicking a ball after admitting he turned down Hibs’ advances to join the Gorgie club.
Fate has decreed the ex-Rangers winger will make his debut at Tynecastle in tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited Edinburgh derby. As much as he can expect home supporters to roar him on at a packed stadium, visiting fans will also make their feelings clear following his decision to head to the west of the city.
McKay, 26, who signed a two-year deal after leaving Swansea, was asked directly yesterday if there was contact from Hibs. ‘Yeah. There were a few (bidders) up here, close to here,’ he said. ‘But it was just a case of picking the right one and now I’m looking forward to getting going. ‘There would be a spotlight on me anyway (in the derby) because I’m coming back up the road and I’m a new signing. ‘But the derby game will take care of itself and I can play my own game if I’m involved or get any time on the pitch. ‘I want to play my own game and not let it affect me. ‘I had other offers up here, and down south, and abroad as well. It was a case of picking somewhere I knew I could settle and just get back to playing football and enjoying it. ‘I know quite a lot of the boys here and they said it was a great set-up with a great bunch of lads. ‘It’s important when you go into a changing room everyone is pulling in the right direction.’