AITOR KARANKA has assured Barrie McKay he will get a chance to impress at Nottingham Forest if he continues to apply himself this season.

The Scotland winger was left out of the squad that caused arguably the upset of the weekend in the Championship as league leaders Wolves were beaten at Molineux on Saturday.

McKay moved south of the border from Rangers in the summer as he was reunited with Mark Warburton and David Weir at the City Ground.

But the former Ibrox boss was sacked last month after a terrible run of form that saw his side slide down the second tier standings.

Karanka was appointed as Warburton’s successor a fortnight ago and has already allowed striker Jason Cummings to leave Forest as he clinched a loan deal with Rangers until the end of the campaign.

And the Spaniard admits McKay will have to be patient as he looks to catch the eye and force his way back into the starting line-up this term.

Karanka said: “McKay was my decision. He is training well and he is a really good player, but I had to choose just 18 for the squad.

“Vaughany (David Vaughan) picked up a problem in the final training session and we hope it is not serious and that he can train with us on Sunday or, if not, Tuesday.

“McKay was my decision, he was not injured. He has to keep working because he is young and he is quality. But I have to choose 18 players for the game.

“Tyler (Walker) was another decision that we took. This week I have got to know better the squad. I have known better the player as well and it will take time.

“They are a team, which is the most important thing for me. They are a very good group of people, they are very good personalities as individuals and this is the main thing.

“Because when you have a good group in the changing room, it makes life easier.”