MARK WARBURTON, the Rangers manager, believes Scottish players are undervalued in the transfer market and that there is ‘derogatory’ view of the game here.

The future of Ibrox winger Barrie McKay has been the source of much debate in recent weeks amid speculation over a potential move away from the club and his ongoing contract situation. McKay signed a one-year extension to his deal last season but has yet to commit his future to Rangers beyond next summer.

Warburton is keen to retain the services of the 22-year-old for the long-term but McKay was relaxed about his situation when he spoke ahead of Rangers’ Scottish Cup win over Motherwell on Saturday. The forward impressed once again in the 2-1 victory and is in line to start at Fir Park this weekend as Warburton’s side return to Premiership action.

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McKay has made a name for himself since being given a chance by Warburton in the Championship last season and is arguably the most sellable asset within the Ibrox squad at present. His manager is determined to hold on to him and see him flourish at Ibrox, though.

“He is a talented player, there is no doubt about that and in the high profile games, most recently on New Year’s Eve, he had a very strong performance and in a game of that significance, with the size of the audience watching those games you are not surprised at all,” Warburton said.

“He is a very talented young player with loads of development still left in him so it is a delight to watch Barrie grow and thrive. Barrie has just turned 22 but David and I have no doubt that he has a big career in the game but you hope very much it is here but with football you can’t control that.

“There are no fears Barrie’s head has been turned, you saw at the weekend the level of his performance, his dynamism, his desire and his commitment to the club is undoubted. I have no problems about Barrie McKay whatsoever; I want him to keep on working hard every day in training and watch his continue to develop in the weeks ahead.”

Read more: Lee Wallace: Rangers must take their Ibrox form on the road in the Premierships

The loss of McKay in the coming days would be a major blow to Rangers as they attempt to finish second in the Premiership and win the Scottish Cup this term and Warburton has previously insisted that no players would leave unless he had a ready-made replacement in situ at Ibrox.

The Scotland international would bring in a significant seven-figure fee should he decide to leave Rangers and Warburton insists Scottish players should hold their value in a congested marketplace.

“You look at the prices being paid and you can see why Scottish players represent value but our job is to keep our best players and if any player leaves here they will leave here on Rangers terms,” he told rangers.co.uk. “I think there is a lack of appreciation for the Scottish market. I think there is an unnecessary derogatory stance or view sometimes of the Scottish game.

“You can see why in certain aspects but there are a lot of very talented players up here and for the Scottish national team and you want the players exposed to the highest level possible. We hope very much that we keep our best talent; we want them here playing for Rangers.”