Rangers manager Mark Warburton was delighted with Barrie McKay’s contribution on Saturday?
Is Rangers’ replacement for Niko Kranjcar already on the books at Ibrox? He could be if Mark Warburton’s latest comments via RangersTV are anything to go by.
Kranjcar was the Ibrox side’s regular number 10 until injury struck in October and ruled the Croatian out for the rest of the campaign.
In the meantime, the Gers have been widely tipped to enter the transfer market in January, but could they have inadvertently saved themselves a few quid?
Winger Barrie McKay has endured a difficult start to life back in the Premiership, finding himself in and out of Warburton’s side so far.
However, the 21-year-old may have earned himself a regular starting berth thanks to his most recent display as a substitute in Saturday’s win against Dundee – despite occupying a somewhat less familiar central role for the final 25 minutes.
“Barrie came on first and was superb,” Warburton told RangersTV. “He drove us up the pitch and was bright, full of energy, was clever and looked to move the ball.
“Barrie is good enough on the football to do that [play in midfield]. It’s a challenge for a young, attacking player like Barrie for his defensive responsibilities, and when the ball breaks down where does he need to be and what areas he needs to fill.
“It’s making sure if a player does that they understand the role they need to fill, but he can play wide left, wide right, number eight or number 10, and he has that flexibility we have talked about so much in the past.
“I’m delighted for him to see him that way, and credit to him for working hard and I think he will have a very big career ahead of him.
“He looked very bright and played in the 20s game last week and looked really good.
“He has a great work ethic and great commitment, and he took that into the game on Saturday.”
McKay, who has provided three assists in 12 Premiership appearances this season, excelled as Rangers secured promotion from the Championship last term.
Born in Paisley, the Scotland international was a key member of that Gers side, scoring or making 14 goals in 34 outings.
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