Barrie McKay warns Rangers will need patience if they are to mount Scottish Premiership fight
The Ibrox playmaker insists their draw with Hamilton Academical this weekend will serve as a wake-up call to Gers
THE journey is over — the mission has started.
After 1,545 days and 146 league games, Rangers returned to Scottish football’s top flight with their sights set on title No55.
But if that dream is to become reality in their first season back in the Premiership there’s work to be done.
Being held at home to Hamilton in front of a capacity Ibrox crowd wasn’t in the script.
For long spells Mark Warburton’s men toiled to breakdown a well-organised, well-drilled Accies side.
Niko Kranjcar is not yet match fit and with Joey Barton sitting so deep, Rangers lacked legs in midfield.
It was crying out for an injection of pace and indeed just 30 seconds after the introduction of Michael O’Halloran and Harry Forrester, the latter teed up Martyn Waghorn for the equaliser.
That Waghorn later hobbled off with a hamstring injury that’s likely to rule him out for up to six weeks only added to Warbs’ woes.
Ali Crawford had punished poor Rangers defending to fire Hamilton in front with a fine effort.
Waghorn’s leveller was deserved, but, make no mistake, this was not the start to the new season Gers had envisaged.
And last night midfielder Barrie McKay insisted it must serve as a wake-up call.
He said: “Every player in the dressing room knew it was always going to be harder this season — it’s a step up to the top division.
“If you look at it, teams will look to play the same way they did against us last season, when they sat in and tried to hit us on the counter attack and interrupt our rhythm.
“They were giving away fouls and kicking the ball away, trying to stop us from playing and interrupting the tempo we were trying to play at.
RELATED STORIES
“We’re not really right up and running, but that will be the same as every team.
“At the same time we did create quite a lot of chances and dominate the game and we should have gone on to win it.
“But the boys are disappointed, we felt as if we dominated the game and created quite a lot of chances to go on and win it. But unfortunately it wasn’t our day and we couldn’t put them away.
“Credit Hamilton — they sat in and pressed us very well. When I was on the ball they were doubling and tripling up on me and it was hard for me to get into the game.
“Every time I was getting on the ball and getting past them I was getting fouled.
“The kind of player I am I come up against that every week. I got it last season as well, when I was being kicked up and down the park.
“It’s something I need to keep going with and look to keep going on the ball. Every team comes here and hopes to take a point.
“So it’s up to us to be patient and keep doing what we’re doing, moving them side to side, and eventually they will tire and switch off and we can get in behind them.”
Gers gaffer Warburton added nine new players this summer.
Josh Windass and Matt Crooks both missed out through injury while Jordan Rossiter and Joe Dodoo were held in reserve on the bench at the weekend.
It’s obvious another central defender is needed, yet McKay insists those that have already arrived have settled in well.
He added: “The new boys have come in and taken well to what the gaffer has got going on here and they’ve added to the quality of the squad. It’s really top quality players we’ve brought in.
“Maybe we’re still getting to know each other but the understanding is there.
“Maybe the occasion got to us too, but to be at a club this size you need to get used to full houses, the noises from fans and everything else that comes with it.
“It’s the pressures you put yourself under as a player when you pull on that jersey.”
Barton was named sponsors’ man of the match and there’s no doubt his drive played a massive part in Gers’ equaliser.
And McKay added: “He’s beginning to grow in influence on the team.
“He’s a very lively character and he has a lot of time for everyone.
“He speaks with everyone and isn’t just associated with the new boys.
“He is a ball-winner and is not scared to put in a challenge and he can play as well.
“It will help me as the season goes on playing with a player like Joey.”