MARK WARBURTON reckons Rangers winger Barrie McKay has the potential to play ‘at the highest level’ as he looks to continue his impressive start to the season.

The 20-year-old has made the most of the arrival of Warburton and David Weir in the summer and quickly become a key player for the Light Blues this term.

After bursting onto the scene in the Third Division, loan spells with Morton and Raith Rovers in recent seasons have given McKay the platform to make a bid for a first team berth at Ibrox.

And Warburton is confident there is plenty more to come from the wide man, who has scored three times in his 15 appearances for the Gers so far this season.

Glasgow Times: Nicky Clark (left), Martyn Waghorn (centre) and Barrie McKay during Rangers training at Murray Park yesterday.

He said: “With younger players, the key is consistency. It’s easy when you’re young to have four or five games at a high level then have a drop off, and sometimes a big drop-off.

“Barrie’s started most games this season but he had one small drop-off and we had a chat to him and his reaction was great.

“So consistency is important and quality of end-product is the other one. He’s got the technique, he’s got the awareness, he sees a pass, but he got to the bye-line many times at the weekend and it’s just that quality of final cross, final pass, final shot.

“The better that is, the better we’re going to be as a team and the better he’ll be as an individual.

“He’s been out on loan, he’s done the hard bit, I’m sure he’s suffered in the media in terms of people saying he’s peaked too early, but he’s a real talent and I’ve no doubt he could go and play at the highest level.”

The resurgence of McKay has been one of the most positive aspects of the campaign for Warburton as his side have made a superb start to the season and put themselves in pole position for the Championship title.

The forward has thrived under the new managerial team at Ibrox and Warburton is delighted to see his young star fulfilling the promise he was confident he always had.

Glasgow Times: 19/10/15  .  RANGERS TRAINING  .  MURRAY PARK - GLASGOW .  Rangers Manager Mark Warburton (centre) and assistant Davie Weir in training. (42693172)

He said: “When you go to a new club it’s a blank canvas. You can’t have any pre-conceived ideas.

“Barrie McKay I didn’t know much about, but from the first day at training he caught the eye. Technically outstanding, the quickest thing at the club, he’s 20 years old, he can play left or right, in midfield he can play eight or ten. What’s not to like?

“At the weekend for the first 20 minutes he was excellent and they were doubling up on him.

“Barrie McKay has the potential to be a real talent at this football club. He’ll get better and better.”