PEDRO CAIXINHA has issued a stark warning to the Rangers players about failing to live up to his standards with Barrie McKay the latest victim of the manager’s strict rules.
When asked directly about the 22-year-old winger who has been sent to train with a youth squad, the Portuguese would not speak specifically about an individual but it was abundantly clear what he was getting at.
McKay joins the ranks of Harry Forrester and Michael O’Halloran who have obviously not ticked enough boxes for Caixinha who is also set to move on Andy Halliday, Rob Kiernan, Matt Crooks and Joe Dodoo for footballing reasons.
Read more: After the fun and games comes the start of a huge season for Pedro Caixinha and Rangers
McKay was actually named in Rangers’ European squad, unlike the others, but won’t play any part in this evening’s match against FC Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg at Ibrox in the Europa League qualifier.
Asked if what could be read from the situation was that McKay’s time at Rangers is coming to an end, Caixinha said: “I think everyone needs to understand that Rangers have a profile and standard. If you have the standards to keep, or even to raise those standards and defend those standards, you’ll be receiving one chance to stay on. If not, life goes on.
“I’m not talking about names. I’m talking about standards from this club and standards regarding to my choices. That’s what I’m talking about.
“I’m not talking about any specific players. I’m talking to all the players, including the new ones that are coming. They need to understand that things are going in this direction, the normal direction that the club is taking also.”
Read more: After the fun and games comes the start of a huge season for Pedro Caixinha and Rangers
When pressed about whether it was appropriate for McKay to train with the under-20s, Caixinha said: “I don’t want to discuss individual cases. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. If he is not on the list, he cannot help us to do brilliantly.”
Rangers have signed eight players in total during the summer and have bids in for Hearts winger Jamie Walker, Kenny McLean of Aberdeen and also long-time target Graham Dorrans of Norwich City.
Caixinha admitted he wanted “a couple more” new players but is keen to move on those who do not fit into his plans.
He said: “I want a small squad. I want a squad with three official goalkeepers and one or two more from the youth system.
“And a maximum of 21 or 22 outfield players. I want our squad, first of all, to be competitive here in order to be even more competitive when we play against an opponent.”
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