Barrie McKay
McKay playing for Rangers in 2015
Personal information
Full name Barrie McKay[1]
Date of birth (1994-12-30) 30 December 1994 (age 29)[2]
Place of birth Paisley, Scotland[3]
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m)[4]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
 Heart of Midlothian
Number 18
Youth career
2005–2011 Kilmarnock
2011–2012 Rangers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2017 Rangers 103 (12)
2013–2014 → Greenock Morton (loan) 18 (5)
2014–2015 → Raith Rovers (loan) 23 (1)
2017–2018 Nottingham Forest 26 (5)
2018–2021 Swansea City 37 (2)
2020–2021 → Fleetwood Town (loan) 33 (4)
2021– Heart of Midlothian 73 (6)
International career‡
2012 Scotland U18[5] 23 (5)
2012–2013 Scotland U19[6] 6 (2)
2012–2016 Scotland U21[7] 4 (0)
2016– Scotland 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 28 December 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 June 2021 (UTC)

Barrie McKay (born 30 December 1994) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a striker or as a winger for Heart of Midlothian. McKay has previously played for Rangers, Greenock Morton, Raith Rovers, Nottingham Forest, Swansea City and Fleetwood Town. He has also appeared once for the Scotland national team, in 2016.

Early life

McKay was raised in Barrhead[8] and began his career as a youth player for Kilmarnock, where he spent seven years. He was released by Kilmarnock due to a hip problem which their medical staff feared would cause him long-term problems.[9] McKay was then signed by Rangers in the summer of 2011. He played regularly in their under-19 side at the age of 16 and ended the season as top goalscorer.[10][11][12]

Club career

Rangers

McKay made his first-team debut for Rangers on 13 May 2012, in a 4–0 win against St Johnstone.[13] On 11 August 2012, he scored Rangers first goal in their first match in the Third Division,[14] a 2–2 draw against Peterhead.[15] On 11 September 2012, McKay pledged his future to Rangers for another five-years.[16] After a great start to the season, his form dropped and as a result he was dropped to the bench with Fraser Aird taking his place. After a few matches on the sidelines, he reclaimed his place in the starting eleven with a stunning performance from the bench against Alloa Athletic, in which he scored two goals in a 7–0 win. From that point on, McKay established himself as a key player in the team, putting in several excellent performances, including in a 3–0 win against Elgin City[17] and a 4–2 win against Montrose,[18] racking up a number of assists in the process.[19]

On 27 December 2013, he joined Greenock Morton on a one-month loan deal.[20] As there were no U20 League fixtures until January 2014, this was to give him some much needed game time, with McKay expected to be available for five fixtures in his time at Cappielow.[21] On 28 January 2014, his loan was extended until the end of the season.[22][23]

McKay signed for Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers on 1 September 2014, agreeing a loan move until 1 January 2015.[24] On 31 December 2014, it was announced by Raith Rovers that McKay's loan deal had been extended until the end of 2014–15 season.[25]

The arrival of new Rangers manager Mark Warburton in June 2015 saw McKay appear more frequently in the first team.[26] On 19 August 2015, he scored his first goal for Rangers since November 2012, in a 2–0 win over Ayr United in the Scottish Challenge Cup.[27] On 15 February 2016, McKay extended his Rangers contract until May 2018.[28] On 17 April 2016, he scored a long-range goal to put Rangers 2–1 up against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final. After the match finished 2–2, Rangers went on to win on penalties and progress to the final, with McKay scoring in the penalty shootout.[29] He was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year from the Scottish Championship for his performances in the 2015–16 season.[30]

Nottingham Forest

McKay signed a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest on 5 July 2017 for a reported fee of £500,000, linking up with Warburton once again.[31] He was assigned squad number 10.[32] On his début on 4 August 2017, he scored the only goal of the game against Millwall.[33]

Swansea City

On 31 July 2018, McKay signed a three-year contract with Swansea City, having moved from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee.[34]

On 31 January 2020, McKay joined Fleetwood Town on loan until the end of the 2019–20 season.[35][36][37] He returned to Fleetwood in September 2020, again on loan.[38]

McKay was confirmed to be leaving the Welsh club at the end of the 2020–21 season.[39]

Hearts

On 7 September 2021 McKay signed with Hearts on a two-year deal.[40]

International career

McKay was a youth international, representing the Scotland national team at under-18,[5] under-19[6] and under-21[7] levels.

McKay received his first call-up to the senior Scotland squad in May 2016, along with Rangers teammate Lee Wallace, for friendlies against Italy and France[41] and made his Scotland debut as an 84th-minute substitute during a 3–0 defeat to the latter on 4 June 2016.[42]

Six years later, he received his second call-up for the UEFA Nations League match against Ukraine after Scott McTominay was suspended for picking up a booking against the Republic of Ireland.[43]

Personal life

He is the younger brother of fellow footballer Daniel McKay,[44] and has two other brothers.[45]

Career statistics

Club

As of 28 December 2023[46]
Apeearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Rangers 2011–12[47] Scottish Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2012–13[48] Scottish Third Division 31 1 3 2 4 0 3[a] 1 41 4
2013–14[49] Scottish League One 2 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 1 4 1
2014–15[50] Scottish Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015–16[51] Scottish Championship 34 6 6 2 3 0 5[a] 1 48 9
2016–17[52] Scottish Premiership 35 5 4 0 7 1 — 46 6
Total 103 12 13 4 15 1 9 3 140 20
Greenock Morton (loan) 2013–14[49] Scottish Championship 18 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 3
Raith Rovers (loan) 2014–15[50] Scottish Championship 23 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 25 2
Nottingham Forest 2017–18[53] Championship 26 5 1 0 1 0 — 28 5
Swansea City 2018–19[54] Championship 30 2 1 1 0 0 — 31 3
2019–20[55] Championship 4 0 1 0 3 0 — 8 0
Total 34 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 39 3
Fleetwood Town (loan) 2019–20[55] League One 8 2 0 0 0 0 2[b] 0 10 2
2020–21[56] League One 23 2 0 0 0 0 2[c] 1 25 3
Total 31 4 0 0 0 0 4 1 35 5
Heart of Midlothian 2021–22[57] Scottish Premiership 33 2 5 0 0 0 — 38 2
2022–23[58] Scottish Premiership 36 4 3 0 1 0 8 0 48 4
2023–24[59] Scottish Premiership 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 7 0
Total 73 6 8 0 2 0 10 0 93 6
Career total 308 33 26 6 21 1 23 4 378 44
  1. ^ a b c Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in League One play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in the FA Trophy

International

As of match played 4 June 2016[60]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland national team 2016 1 0
Total 1 0

Honours

Rangers

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Swansea City" (PDF). English Football League. p. 71. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  2. ^ "Barrie McKay". uefa.com. UEFA. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Barrie McKay - Rangers Football Club, Official Website". Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Barrie McKay". Swansea City A.F.C. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Barrie McKay Under-18". scottishfa.co.uk. Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  6. ^ a b "Barrie McKay Under-19". scottishfa.co.uk. Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Barrie McKay Under-21". scottishfa.co.uk. Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  8. ^ "Barrhead sporting highlights of 2012 [August]". Barrhead News. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  9. ^ Ralston, Gary (14 March 2016). "Rangers ace Barrie McKay: Being released by Kilmarnock as a teenager taught me a harsh lesson in football". Daily Record. Glasgow: Trinity Mirror.
  10. ^ "Barrie McKay". Rangers Football Club. Rangers.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 November 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
  11. ^ "Rangers boss Ally McCoist gives new deals to Ibrox trio". Daily Record. Glasgow: Trinity Mirror. 11 September 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
  12. ^ McCarthy, David (20 August 2012). "Real McKay! Rangers boss hails Ibrox starlet". Daily Record. Glasgow: Trinity Mirror.
  13. ^ Campbell, Andy (13 May 2012). "St Johnstone 0–4 Rangers". BBC Sport. BBC.
  14. ^ "Adapt or die: McKay's call to team-mates". Daily Record. Glasgow: Trinity Mirror. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  15. ^ Campbell, Andy (11 August 2012). "Peterhead 2–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. BBC.
  16. ^ Melvin, David (11 September 2012). "The Future Boys". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football Club. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  17. ^ Herron, Lindsay (3 December 2012). "Rangers-3 0 Elgin City". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football Club. Archived from the original on 8 December 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  18. ^ McLauchlin, Brian. "Montrose 2–4 Rangers". BBC. BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  19. ^ "Ally McCoist sings the praises of teenager Barrie McKay". Sky Sports. News UK. 3 December 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  20. ^ Mitchell, Jonathan (27 December 2013). "Morton make double signing". Greenock Telegraph. Greenock: Newsquest. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  21. ^ Dickson, Andrew (27 December 2013). "McKay in Ton loan switch". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football Club. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  22. ^ Mitchell, Jonathan (28 January 2014). "McKay to stay at Morton until end of campaign". Greenock Telegraph. Newsquest. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
  23. ^ Jack, Chris (28 January 2014). "McKay to stay at Ton until end of season". Evening Times. Times & Herald Group. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
  24. ^ "Transfer Window Roundup". Rangers.co.uk. Rangers Football Club. 1 September 2014. Archived from the original on 12 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  25. ^ "Barrie McKay Loan Deal Extended". Raithrovers.net. Raith Rovers Football Club. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  26. ^ "Rangers boss Mark Warburton tips Barrie McKay to play 'at the highest level' after impressing at Ibrox". eveningtimes.co.uk. Evening Times. 20 October 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  27. ^ Wilson, Richard (19 August 2015). "Ayr United 0–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  28. ^ "Barrie McKay extends Rangers deal until May 2018". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 February 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  29. ^ Wilson, Richard (17 April 2015). "Rangers 2–2 Celtic". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 30 December 2016.
  30. ^ a b "Only two Celtic players in Scottish Premiership team of season". BBC Sport. BBC. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  31. ^ "Barrie McKay: Rangers winger completes move to Nottingham Forest". BBC Sport. BBC. 5 July 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  32. ^ "Squad numbers confirmed". nottinghamforest.co.uk. Nottingham Forest F.C. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  33. ^ "Nottingham Forest 1–0 Millwall". BBC Sport. BBC. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  34. ^ "Swansea City sign Scottish international Barrie McKay". BBC Sport. 31 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  35. ^ "Lewis Gibson, Barrie McKay and Isak Thorvaldsson join Fleetwood on loan". BBC Sport. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  36. ^ "BARRIE MCKAY MAKES FLEETWOOD LOAN SWITCH". swanseacity.com. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  37. ^ Mitchelmore, Ian (7 February 2020). "The personal issues behind Barrie McKay's Fleetwood Town transfer and the Rangers contacts that sealed move from Swansea City". Wales online. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  38. ^ "Barrie McKay: Fleetwood re-sign Swansea forward on loan". BBC Sport. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
  39. ^ "Swansea City confirm retained list". www.swanseacity.com. 4 June 2021.
  40. ^ "Barrie McKay: Winger joins Hearts on two-year deal". BBC Sport. 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  41. ^ "Scotland: Rangers' Barrie McKay and Lee Wallace in squad for Italy & France". BBC Sport. BBC. 12 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  42. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (4 June 2016). "France 3-0 Scotland". BBC Sport. BBC.
  43. ^ Cassidy, Peter (25 September 2022). "McKay and Kingsley called up to Scotland squad as trio drop out". STV News. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  44. ^ "Signings". scottishfa.co.uk. SJFA. 10 August 2012. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  45. ^ "Meet Rangers ace Barrie McKay's twinkle-toed older brother who is an Irish dancing star". Daily Record. 5 June 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  46. ^ Barrie McKay at Soccerway. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  47. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  48. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  49. ^ a b "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  50. ^ a b "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  51. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  52. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  53. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  54. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  55. ^ a b "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  56. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  57. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  58. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  59. ^ "Games played by Barrie McKay in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  60. ^ "McKay, Barrie". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  61. ^ "Rangers celebrate Scottish Third Division title win". BBC Sport. BBC. 30 March 2013.
  62. ^ Burke, Andy (5 April 2016). "Rangers 1-0 Dumbarton". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  63. ^ English, Tom (10 April 2016). "Rangers 4-0 Peterhead". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
  64. ^ "Leigh Griffiths: Celtic forward named PFA Scotland Player of the Year". BBC. BBC Sport. 1 May 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2016.

External links

2015–16 PFA Scotland Scottish Championship Team of the Year
Heart of Midlothian F.C. – current squad
Categories