McKay to do his best with Naismith out

Matt McKAY is determined to play his part in plugging the gap left by the injured Steven Naismith after helping Rangers to a 3-1 win over Dundee United in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Saturday.

But the Australian midfielder admits the task of actually replacing Naismith and replicating what he contributed is a far tougher challenge.

Naismith – who has netted nine goals for Rangers this season – is out for the rest of the campaign after suffering cruciate ligament damage against Aberdeen last week.

Asked if he is the man to replace the influential player, McKay said: “I’m not sure. Steven has been great all year, with the amount of goals he has scored and his play has been exceptional.

“He has been one of the best players in the league this season. They are big shoes to fill.

“We need to rely on big Nikica Jelavic and Kyle Lafferty for the goals now and we need the midfielders chipping in so I want to be part of that as well.”

McKay earned his first SPL start, playing just behind Jelavic and setting up the opening goal for the Croatian. Jelavic doubled the advantage from the penalty spot. Jon Daly pulled a goal back for the visitors before Rangers grabbed their third through a Garry Kenneth own goal.