Former Rangers winger Barrie McKay could be back at Ibrox this season after Hearts agreed a deal with the player following the expiration of his contract at English Championship Swansea.
Gers Academy product McKay – now 26 – has signed a two-year deal with the Gorgie club and will join up with his new teammates subject to international clearance
A tricky, direct winger with a penchant for the impossible at times, Rangers fans are well aware of the ability McKay has but has never quite accessed consistently.
Robbie Neilson talked up these qualities as the Jambos announced McKay’s signing.
“I’m delighted that we’ve managed to get Barrie in and signed,” said Neilson [HMFC].
“I’m sure a lot of people will remember his qualities from his previous spell in Scottish football; quick, direct, dynamic and capable of moments of magic.
“To bring those talents to Hearts, where we now have considerable depth in our attacking options, is a real boost and I’m really looking forward to working with Barrie.”
Best remembered for that legendary Old Firm Scottish Cup worldie against Celtic at Hampden in 2016, it would be McKay’s first spell back in Scotland since leaving Ibrox only a year later.
Sold in controversial circumstances after the arrival of Pedro Caixinha, McKay was moved on to Nottingham Forest for a knockdown price in 2017.
This was reported to be around £500k and the player would team up with former Rangers boss Mark Warburton in the English Championship.
Only a year later, McKay would move on to Swansea city for three times this amount but despite experiencing plenty of game time in his first season at the Liberty Stadium, things quickly went downhill.
From there, Barrie spent two seasons on loan with Fleetwood Town before his eventual release this summer.
If things don’t work out at Tynecastle, Barrie could also fall back on a new career which we was snapped learning a few years ago.
