Barrie McKay plots Hearts resurgence as winger ditches time off after stuttering season

Barrie McKay has ditched his summer holiday plans as the Hearts winger vowed to make up for lost time this season.

The attacker, 29, has missed quite a bit of the season through injury but has returned in recent weeks with a strong showing in particular against Dundee. The former Rangers wide man provided two assists and looked back to his best but he's honest enough to know it will take some time for that to come.

With just two games remaining on the calendar for this term, McKay reckons he doesn't need to take his usually scheduled time off this summer as he doesn't feel fit enough to justify it.

And instead he hopes to work hard enough to be ready for next season to hit the ground running. "I think probably just train as hard as I can in the off-season," he said. "Usually I'd take a bit of a break. Because of how many games I have played recently, I don't think I need it this year. I probably need a lot of fitness work, strength work and making sure I am in a good position come pre-season. Hopefully really kick on next year.

“I work with a guy in the summer. Last year I never got that because I had the operation in my ankle. Came back from that and did my knee. Came back from that and did my knee again. It's been a frustrating season but if I can get to the summer and get a bit of a break, then get ready to go next season.

"Since I came here I have played next to every game. This season you are watching from the side but the boys have done great. They have got us third. They have got us European football so today, it's good to chip in a wee bit and hopefully next year I can chip in a lot more. When I was coming back the last time I was probably more frustrated at myself, stuff you usually do without thinking about isn't coming off. You get frustrated at yourself more than anything and it's just something you need to deal with.

“You are not going to be as sharp as you were when fully fit. It's about building that up. You speak to people who have been injured and sometimes they say it can be however long you are out, that's how long it can take you to get back. You need to try and get through the bad times and hopefully good times come."