DANNY WILSON hopes the next generation of Rangers kids are inspired by Barrie McKay’s rise to prominence at Ibrox this term.

The winger has enjoyed a terrific campaign under boss Mark Warburton and took home the PFA Scotland Goal of the Season award on Sunday night.

McKay was in the running for the Young Player of the Year prize but did collect the Gers’ gong for the top up-and-coming talent after a string of superb performances for the Light Blues.

The 21-year-old has been an integral part of Warburton’s side as Rangers have clinched the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup and progressed to the Scottish Cup final with victory over Old Firm rivals Celtic at Hampden.

And Wilson is delighted that McKay has made the most of his chance to shine this term after spending the last two campaigns out on loan at Morton and Raith Rovers as he fell down the Ibrox pecking order.

He said: “If you look at the way Barrie's career has panned out, when he came back last summer, it was going to go one of two ways for him and, to his credit, he's been one of our best players this season.

“Rightly, he's been acknowledged by his fellow professionals by being one of the best young players. He's been terrific.

“Boys coming though should look at Barrie's example because you shouldn't give up.

“Sometimes when you are young and things don't quite go for you, it's too easy just to throw the toys out of the pram and say 'oh well this manager doesn't fancy me'.

“But every manager has got a different opinion and fortunately for Barrie, our manager saw something in him ad he's been one of our key players all season."

After helping Rangers secure their Premiership return last month, McKay will now look to inspire the Light Blues to Scottish Cup success when they face Hibernian at Hampden on May 21.

Boss Warburton is hoping to add another half-a-dozen players to his Ibrox ranks over the summer to ensure his side are in shape to challenge for the top flight crown and embark on a potential Europa League campaign.

The arrival of a host of new faces could limit the chances for young players to make the breakthrough into Warburton’s plans as he looks to add strength and depth to his first team pool.

Wilson was pitched into action as a 17-year-old by boss Walter Smith as he partnered Ibrox assistant manager David Weir and the heart of the Rangers defence.

And, speaking to promote the launch of a membership scheme for the Rangers Youth Development Company, the stopper confident more kids can make the transition from Murray Park hopefuls to Ibrox stars in the coming months.

Wilson said: "It could block the route for younger ones coming through but the plans have to be in place to try and give the young ones the best opportunity.

“It's the manager's decision but speaking from my own experience it depends how your luck is, really. I was fortunate to be put into the team when I was and the manager stood by me.

“You'd have to ask the manager what his thoughts are. The young players we have need to show the manager they're worthy of the chance.

“The player has to be ready but he also has to have a manager who believes in him and the manager here believes in the youth. It's a two-way street.

"They'll be hoping they get more to come along. With any young players there has to be an opportunity given but they have to merit the opportunity. They can't just be put on the park for the sake of things.

“If there's a clear guide to how to bring the boys through it's got to be up to them to take it.”