RANGERS boss Mark Warburton insists Barrie McKay has everything required to be a star for Scotland.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in the Ibrox first-team this season and is on the brink of signing a new, long-term contract.

Warburton believes that wearing the dark blue of his country should also now be a target for the flying winger, who spent last term farmed out on loan to Raith Rovers.

“You have seen him play,” said the manager. “He is the quickest player at the club and technically comfortable with both feet.

“He can drive inside and outside, play seven, eight, ten or 11 and has great ability.

“The fact he can play left, right or central is fantastic.

“He has the ability to drive forward and, when you play midfield, you have to be on it.

“When Jason Holt was out for a couple of games, we didn’t get enough bodies going beyond the striker, but look at Barrie’s goal at Morton where he plays a one-two with Kenny Miller and scores.

“He has two good feet, he can shoot, he can cross, he can take people on. He is brave and doesn’t shy away from a mistake, tracks back and is just turned 21.

“In answer to the question: ‘Is he Scotland quality?’ For me, absolutely.”

Warburton inherited a player who looked as though his time at Rangers may be numbered after being sent out to Kirkcaldy, but insists he saw his potential immediately.

“David Weir and I came here and both thought the same thing,” said Warburton. “First day of training, he was excellent and hasn’t looked back.

“There was never any change in him. He has always been what he is now.

‘He is 21. Just 21. Sometimes, they don’t realise they are a good player.

“He needs reassurance, awareness of how good he can be. He has to just enjoy being a good player, go and entertain.

“His job is to go and play before 50,000 at Ibrox. Don’t crumble under that, enjoy it.

‘At 20 it’s maybe hard to absorb that fact, but he has so much ability, so much talent. I think he can go a long way.”

McKay’s representatives are still in talks with Rangers over a new deal, but Warburton is confident negotiations will be tied up sooner rather than later.

“I hope we are almost there,” he said. “It’s just details, but they are important. Getting them right is all part of making people happy.

‘Barrie has done really well. He is in a good place and I think there is loads more to come from him.”