Barrie McKay hailed as the best player in Scottish football outside of Celtic and Rangers

Former Hearts star Ryan Stevenson insists Barrie McKay is the best player in Scottish football outside of Celtic and Rangers.
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The 37-year-old also believes it’s about time McKay was given an opportunity in the Scotland squad and has called upon Steve Clarke to include him when the national team meet up again next month.

McKay bagged his first assist of the season in the 1-1 draw with Hibs on Sunday, following on from a goal in the opening match of the campaign which proved to be the winner against Ross County.

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"Let's talk about Barrie McKay. He’s not one of those guys who bigs himself up so it’s time someone did it for him. For me McKay is the best player in this country who doesn’t play for Rangers and Celtic – and easily has the quality to play for either of the big two,” said Stevenson in his Daily Record column.

Barrie McKay in action against Chris Cadden during Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. Picture: SNSBarrie McKay in action against Chris Cadden during Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. Picture: SNS
Barrie McKay in action against Chris Cadden during Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. Picture: SNS

“But just because he quietly goes about his business and doesn’t talk in headlines, he never seems to be in the conversation when Scotland call-ups are being considered. Next month the national team has three games and I really hope Steve Clarke sees what I see whenever I watch Barrie.

"If so, he’s got to be in that squad because for all the good players we have from middle to front, few can open defences with a pass or a run in the way he can. He was brilliant against Hibs at the weekend but he’s been amazing for the past 18 months and it’s high time his talent was recognised.”

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