McKay still hopes for Gers move

11 August 2011 17:04
Rangers transfer target Matt McKay flew back to Australia on Thursday still hopeful that a proposed move to the SPL champions would go ahead.[LNB] The Australia international held talks with Rangers earlier this week and was given a tour of the club's training facilities before starting in the Socceroos' 2-1 friendly win over Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday night.[LNB]Rangers had been keen to confirm McKay's signing before the Europa League registration deadline on Thursday, however, the 28-year-old says he would now fly home after problems securing a visa delayed the deal.[LNB]McKay has not played the required 75% of Australia's competitive internationals in the past two years to guarantee a visa after only establishing his place under new boss Holger Osieck in the past 12 months.[LNB]Rangers can still take the case further and the energetic left-sided winger hopes he will be given the green light for a dream move soon after spending his entire career in Australia to date.[LNB]"We're just talking at the moment. There's a few things to work through, but if the opportunity comes I'll grab it with both hand and go there," he said.[LNB]"I went up and had a look at the club when I got into the UK earlier this week. It's a very prestigious club and to have the interest is great.[LNB]"It's very impressive. I've seen the training ground which is unbelievable and the stadium.[LNB]"The atmosphere they have at games is phenomenal as well.[LNB]"They are a massive club, they're up for titles every year. I'd love the chance, but at the moment I've got no idea when a deal will be done."[LNB]McKay skippered the Brisbane Roar to their first ever A-League title last year and revealed Rangers' interest in him had been stirred by team-mate and former Light Blues defender Craig Moore.[LNB]He added: "Moorey has a lot of contacts over there. He's a good friend and likes my ability so he put in a good word. We'll see what happens.[LNB]"We won a title last year and part of that team was Craig Moore as well as Charlie Miller and Bob Malcolm who played for Rangers. They've helped me along the way and told me about the club."[LNB]McKay was able to play a full 90 minutes in Australia's win over Wales on Wednesday night as the visitors claimed an impressive win thanks to goals from Tim Cahill and Robbie Kruse either side of half-time.[LNB]Wales boasted a near full-strength line-up with Gareth Bale starting for the first time in 10 months but the Socceroos, ranked 23rd in the world, were able to keep him quiet for long periods in their final warm-up before next month's opening World Cup qualifier against Thailand in Brisbane.[LNB]Skipper Lucas Neill singled out central defensive partner Matthew Spiranovic for particular praise while 22-year-old Michael Zullo had arguably his best game in the green and gold as he adapts into a full-back role.[LNB]"Matty was very good," he said on Thursday. "He's been wanting a chance for a while now with Sasa (Ognenovski) and I looking very solid.[LNB]"He got his chance and he looked really good which is great for Australia. It's good for him and his confidence.[LNB]"I though Zullo nullified Craig Bellamy as well which is a feather in his cap."[LNB]Australia's two goals came after long passing moves - Cahill's opener after the Socceroos strung 21 passes together - and Neill believes it bodes well as they aim to begin their World Cup qualifiers on the front foot.[LNB]"We scored two really beautiful football goals tonight," he added.[LNB]"There was some good movement and some great finishes. It was a great hit-out and now we go into the Thailand game in Brisbane with great confidence.[LNB]"We know it is an important game because it is our first. We want to get off to a good start let the rest of Asia know that yet again we are going to be a very competitive team and hungry to get to a World Cup."

Source: Team_Talk