THE RE-EMERGENCE of David Templeton and Barrie McKay has been one of the fascinating aspects of Mark Warburton’s revival of Rangers.

And former king of the Ibrox wing Neil McCann believes the wide boys can be key to a Championship-winning campaign under the former Brentford boss.

Templeton’s confidence was shot last season as the Light Blues failed in their mission to get back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

McKay was out of the picture on loan at Raith Rovers and was the only loan player NOT recalled by caretaker Kenny McDowall in January for the run-in.

However, both have been given key roles in the new system operated by Warburton and McCann says they must grasp the opportunity with both hands.

He’s thrilled to see them there, but he insists both have hard work to do to make sure they stay part of the plans.

He said: “There is a real emphasis on attacking and the two wide players David Templeton and Barrie McKay are playing a key part in it all.

“Ranger have always loved their wingers and these two boys really look as though they are starting to enjoy it.

“Temps’ ability in terms of going by people has never been in question. He was always an exciting player.

“But what I will say – and a lot of others will say it as well - is that you need to be a certain type of person to deal with the pressure that goes with playing for Rangers.

“It’s not just about ability. It’s going from playing in front of 15,000 fans to nearly 50,000 fans.

“The expectation is a lot higher and some boys struggle to deal with that, especially if they have a dip in confidence.

“A lack of confidence is a problem in sport generally but it’s even harder when you’re a wide player.

“You can be isolated for 10 minutes and then all of a sudden you get the ball and you’re supposed to go and roast somebody.

“That can sometimes be alleviated by the management style. What I have seen when the players are coming off or being substituted is they are treated very warmly and in a complimentary manner even if they haven’t had a sparkling game.”

McCann was the maestro when it came to creating goals, especially during his four years at Ibrox whether it was crucial Old Firm games, cup finals, European ties or regular league matches.

Few Rangers fans will forget his cross for Peter Lovenkrands’ injury-time winner in the 2002 Old Firm Scottish Cup Final, for example.

His ability to pick the right option was uncanny and he believes both Templeton and McKay have to work on delivery.

He said: “The bottom line for a winger is the final ball. It’s something that Temps has to work on. This might come over as some sort of criticism but I think he has to work on it.

“The hardest thing to do is cross the ball when you are running at pace – 1) you’ve got to get a yard to get past the full back, 2) you’ve got get the ball past the first man and 3) it’s got to be a ball that the keeper is not going to grab.

“So there are many things you have to get right.

“Barrie McKay has already proved that he has it in his locker. His ball for Kenny Miller in that first competitive game against Hibs was a fantastic ball.

“I think they both have the ability. I would just love them to keep working on that final ball.

“I did a lot of that last year when I was coaching at Dunfermline and I’s an easy thing to coach.

“I would love to get a hold of all the wingers and give them a few tips on what I learned over the years. It’s amazing what effect it can have.

“The right delivery can make such a difference.

“What I was teaching the boys at Dunfermline was not earth-shattering or ground-breaking. They were simple tips, but they were very effective.

“I think these boys need to have confidence in their coach and then have belief in themselves. They need to have the guts to go out and play in that pressure.”

McCann, who netted some crucial goals and none more so than the double in the title-clincher against Celtic in 1999, feels McKay should be hitting the net more often.

He said: “Barrie will feel a bit frustrated because he has been farmed out on loan a couple of times and then when everyone else was recalled last January he was left at Raith Rovers.

“I remember when he played three years ago he even played through the middle – in fact he scored in the first game of the season up at Peterhead.

“I used to enjoy playing there too but ultimately he has the pace and ability to go and hurt teams in the wide areas.

“And if he is turning inside then he should get himself more goals.

“Behind him he has James Tavernier and he looks a real star already. So if you have a full-back with you can trust with a good bit of pace and decent delivery then it gives you a chance to get into the goal-scoring charts.

“Ultimately, Barrie has really got to bed himself in. He has had a solid start to the season, but he really needs to push on now by working hard every day in training.

“He will probably see this as his proper chance to establish himself. He is not a wee kid any more, he’s a man.

"He has had a fair amount of first team football to harden himself.

“I think he will feel this is his chance. He will want to grab it with both hands and I hope he does.”