MARK WARBURTON reckons Barrie McKay can reach the ‘highest level’ in the game and inspire the next generation of Rangers stars.

The winger has become an integral part of Warburton’s squad since the Englishman arrived at Ibrox and will be expected to play a key role in their bid for second spot in the Premiership and Scottish Cup glory in the coming months.

McKay is out of contract at the end of next season and is relaxed about his situation but Warburton believes he can have a bright future at Ibrox.

He said: “I’m comfortable that all my players will be here, but that could change tomorrow. That’s how the window works.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers have unfinished business in the Scottish Cup after Hampden heartache against Hibernian

“If clubs come in, unsettle the players and it’s good business for our club, then we will do it.

“We have to have replacements lined up and move accordingly. So no player is safe from that.

“Barrie is a very talented player and he is a Rangers player. I’m delighted with his progress over the last 18 months.

“He is technically gifted, physically strong, quick. He sees a pass. He has got such a bright future for the Scottish national team.

“He showed against Celtic recently and again against RB Leipzig last Sunday that he can outstanding against top teams. So it is quite natural that he is one of many names who will be looked at.

“The dialogue goes on. My job is to say what I think about the player and support the player. From my point of view, he is an outstanding young talent.

“From our point of view, he is an outstanding young talent – undoubtedly an outstanding young talent.

“I’m sure there is dialogue going on at various levels. From our point of view we value Barrie very highly. He is a top young talent and I hope very much he has a bright future here at Rangers.”

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers have unfinished business in the Scottish Cup after Hampden heartache against Hibernian

After a slow start to the season that saw him lose his starting spot, McKay has shown what he has capable of in his recent outings in Light Blue.

The Scotland international has adapted well to life in the top flight this term and has emerged as the one to follow for the next generation of Ibrox hopefuls.

Warburton said: “I think Barrie can go as far in this game as he wants to go. He’s showing you now glimpses of his ability because young players have peaks and troughs but I think Barrie McKay can go to the highest level.

“I think the young boys here look up to him. Of course, Kenny Miller is the perfect role model but the one that’s closest to them is Barrie.

“He’s been an academy player and dealt with everything that entails and come through that so he’s a good one to latch onto.

“Right now, they are showing great potential but they still have to make that great transition to the first team.

“I don’t want to pile pressure on them because it’s dangerous to do that.

“But they certainly have the potential and fingers crossed they make the mark.”

McKay’s path from Auchenhowie to Ibrox is one that many more kids will look to make in the coming years as Rangers invest in the future.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Rangers have unfinished business in the Scottish Cup after Hampden heartache against Hibernian

The likes of Billy Gilmour and Liam Burt have been tipped to shine in Light Blue and Warburton is pleased with the Gers production line.

He said: “We have got some real talents down there. I look at the academy.

“When you have got 15-year-olds and 16-year-olds playing in the Under-20s and doing well it is encouraging. We have got lads of 15, 16 and 17 up against seasoned first team players and doing well.

“The future is bright. We would like to think the future is bright.

“But don’t forget a lot of clubs say that. They have got to be challenged and looked after to make the step up.”