Youngster Barrie McKay took the Young Player of the Year Award at last night’s annual Awards ceremony.
The 21 year old collected the award given his own superb season, having spent two terms out on loan, and for him his development was in response to the criticism he had received – and he thanked Rangers manager Mark Warburton for the faith he had put in him.
Speaking to the Official Site after taking the gong, he explained.
‘It is a real privilege and I would just like to thank the fans for voting for me. It means they are happy with the way you have been playing and I am happy with it too. I`ve been delighted with this year. When the summer came I wasn`t sure whether I was coming or going but the gaffer helped me out a lot and put his confidence in me. I was maybe surprised at the start of the season to play as much as I have but when the gaffer came in he said I have a chance and it was a clean slate and up to me whether I took it or not.’
He went on to add.
‘I think my season has been down to the style of play the gaffer has got us playing, the boys he has brought in are really a great bunch and we have all clicked. This is largely down to the manager because if a different manager had come in he might not have liked me and I would have been out the door. The fact he did come in and like me has given me a lot of confidence in my own ability.’
Praising the manager again, and also joking about the praise he’s received this year he said.
‘I was disappointed in my loan spells, they weren`t as effective as I would have liked but it still got me that first team football. I think it`s especially down to the way the gaffer wants us to play which has really helped me. I do sometimes read the praise I get but I quite like reading the abuse that I get, it does give you a bit of a chuckle that people will take the time out to do that. I suppose it probably spurs me on but I don`t let it bother me, I just find it funny and my mates, my girlfriend and my family tell me not to read it but it is quite good comedy.’
With his fabulous strike against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi final, that came too late to feature in the Goal of the Season battle.
‘I am quite disappointed that goal didn`t make the cut so I might just walk out now! The feeling of that goal against Celtic is one that will always stick with me and if I do ever score better I don`t think it will be on a bigger occasion. I remember everything about it and I see it all over the internet so I am reminded of it every day.’
Congratulations to @BarrieMcKay on his @RangersFC Young Player of the Year award #RFCPOTY16 pic.twitter.com/pczmVenjzA
? Rangers FC (@RangersFC) 24 April 2016
