With Barrie McKay reportedly on the verge of a Rangers exit, to join up with former boss Mark Warburton at Nottingham Forest, the Light Blues are saying goodbye to a player most supporters hoped would become an attacking homegrown hero.
The truth is that while McKay often showed flashes of brilliance, he never strung together consistent performances across a season, which in the end frustrated fans as much their delight when he did turn it on.
He was one of their most effective players last season though and his departure means that Pedro Caixinha has a bit of wheeling and dealing in the transfer market to do in order to replace the 22-year-old.
That won’t be easy now that they’re out of European competition and can’t rely on a few more full houses at Ibrox and prize money.
Still, there are players out there that can do a job on a reasonable budget.
Here are THREE wingers Rangers should target now that McKay is on his way…
Jamie Walker
Jamie Walker was one of the most effective players in the Scottish Premiership last season, winning plaudits for his outstanding performances on the left hand side of Hearts’ midfielder. With a tendency to cut inside, create space and fire in plenty of shots, he scored a magic 15 goals in all competitions for the Edinburgh side.
That’s a goal total that equals anyone at Ibrox last term and it’s a goal threat that vastly overshadows Barrie McKay’s contribution. Walker scored as many goals last term as McKay has in the last two seasons combined.
Still just 24 years old himself, he has plenty of improving to do and first team opportunities at Ibrox would likely be plentiful.
Far from being a replacement for McKay, Jamie Walker threatens to become a significant upgrade and for us, that’s worth pursuing even if Hearts are unlikely to be keen to sell.
Stewart Downing
At first glance, a move for a more high profile name like Stewart Downing might appear to be a fantasy but stranger things have happened at Rangers over the last 18 months. Did anyone expect them to sign Joey Barton for example?
At 32 years of age, Downing isn’t quite the hot property he once was in the English Premier League and after being relegated to the Championship, the left-midfielder has been told he is free to leave the club by incoming boss Garry Monk, according to the BBC.
A player with vast experience of top-flight football, including a spell at Liverpool, Downing fits the bill for what Rangers are looking for next term.
He’s not the flashiest of wide midfielders but would offer a solidity and consistency to the left flank in a team that could use hard workers rather than show ponies.
If he’s willing to take a wage drop then this is one that could make sense.
Matty Kennedy
A lifelong Rangers fan, 22-year-old Matty Kennedy could be the perfect natural replacement for Barrie McKay, sharing the same kind of profile and, seemingly, ability as the outgoing Rangers man.
The winger is coming off the back of his best season yet as a professional footballer, his blistering form in the second half of the season at Plymouth Argyle helping them gain promotion from League Two in England. He scored five goals in just 17 appearances for the club on loan from Cardiff City.
It hasn’t quite worked out for him in Wales and Rangers at the very least should be sounding out the Championship club about a potential move.
Direct and eager to take on defenders, he’d be a real live wire out wide for the Light Blues and that’s what they need now McKay is on his way.