RANGERS youth coach Billy Kirkwood hopes the next crop of Murray Park kids take inspiration from Barrie McKay’s stunning rise to prominence this season.

The winger spent time on loan at Morton and Raith Rovers in recent years as he found his chances limited at Ibrox but he has shone under new Gers boss Mark Warburton this term.

McKay netted his fifth goal of the campaign as he turned in another impressive performance against Cowdenbeath on Sunday and Under-17 coach Kirkwood is delighted to see the 21-year-old shining in Light Blue.

He told SportTimes: “Barrie is a great example of what can happen. He was released from Kilmarnock, Billy McLaren had his finger on the pulse and brought him in and he did well for Ally McCoist over a period of time.

“He then gets sent out on loan to a couple of clubs, he comes back and he gets given his opportunity under the manager. He is absolutely flying.

“Everyone needs to look at that, there are different routes and avenues that you can make your way into the Rangers first team.

“You can break through like Ian Durrant or you can go out on loan to gain experience, like Barrie did. The ones that are out on loan need to look at Barrie and see that there is an avenue there for them to progress.

“He is still a young lad and there is more to come from him. He has progressed through the ranks, done the hard work, went out on loan, and has now come back.

“We hope there are a lot more like Barrie McKay for Rangers in the years to come. We have a few knocking at the door at the moment.”

Boss Warburton confirmed last week that Rangers had have opened talks with McKay over a new deal to keep him at Ibrox for the long term as the forward looks to build on a superb start to the season.

He has become a fan favourite thanks to a string of eye-catching showings and Kirkwood hopes more Murray Park kids can follow his lead.

He said: “We need that progression from the young lads and that is great for the youth department. “There are always different routes in terms of how you get your career up and running and Barrie is the perfect example of that.

“I keep saying to the lads ‘don’t waste a minute here’. They have to make the most of the chance they have at Rangers.

“They want to be footballers and if we can do our bit for them, great. We have got everything here for them at Murray Park and these lads have got it here if they want it. They have to have that desire.”