BARRIE MCKAY hopes Rangers can continue to harness the Ibrox feelgood factor created by boss Steven Gerrard this season.

The arrival of the Liverpool legend rejuvenated supporters before he overhauled his Light Blues squad during the summer transfer window.

Rangers have made a solid start to the Premiership campaign so far this term and have caught the eye on the continent as they have qualified for the group stages of the Europa League.

McKay helped the Gers climb back through the leagues and return to the top flight during his Ibrox career before he left to join Nottingham Forest last summer.

And the forward, now with Championship side Swansea, is pleased to see the progress that has been made under Gerrard’s guidance.

McKay told SportTimes: “Since Gerrard has gone in, there seems to be a real buzz around the place again and he is a legend in football.

“He has taken that into his management and as soon as he went in the door he would have got that instant respect from all the players and the staff.

“That would really have worked in his favour and he is obviously getting the best out of his players. It looks as though they are thriving.

“Obviously when I was there, it was a difficult time for the club and it was a hard place to be at times. But, for any player, it sets you up for the rest of your career and if you can get through that, I imagine you can get through anything.

“It is up to the boys to keep progressing and keep going further and hopefully they can do well this season.”

McKay was an integral part of the side that lifted the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup during Mark Warburton’s first campaign at the helm.

And he was reunited with the Englishman at Forest after falling down the pecking order following the arrival of Pedro Caixinha.

McKay has yet to return to Ibrox but the 23-year-old remains an interested observer from afar as he tracks the fortunes of his former club.

He said: “I still kept in touch with a few after I left, people like David Bates and Danny Wilson when they were still there. We still remain really good friends. They are friends for life.

“I haven’t been back. Most of their games are on when we play and during the international breaks when I get back up the road there are no games on. I still watch them when they are on the TV and I have watched the European games.

“It is strange watching the team but at the same time it is good to see the changes that have happened and the positivity around the place again.

“Gerrard has come in and brought his own players in and it seems like a really good place to be right now. Hopefully they can get the success they want.”