‘He’s an exciting prospect’: Former Nottingham Forest defender John Thompson on Barrie McKay deal

Video: John Thompson on new Nottingham Forest signing Barrie McKay.

Former Nottingham Forest defender John Thompson appeared on the latest episode of Team Talk and said new Reds signing Barrie McKay is an ‘exciting prospect’ and marks a sign of ambition. 

Winger McKay, 22, joined the Reds from Scottish Premiership side Rangers yesterday (July 5) in a deal thought to be around £500,000 to link up with former Gers boss Mark Warburton who he worked with at Ibrox.

McKay became the Reds’ second summer arrival, following fellow Scot Jason Cummings through the door at the City Ground, who joined from Hibs for around £1m last month. 

And Thompson told Iain Chambers and Charlie McParland that McKay and Cummings could be ‘pivotal’ players for the Reds as they hope to kick-on from the disappointment of narrowly avoiding the drop into League One last season and climb up the Championship table this time around.  


“I‘ve heard very good reports about him [McKay] really. He’s a winger who can score goals.

He’s mainly been playing on the left side for Rangers and I think he’s an exciting prospect. That’s exactly what he is – he’s a prospect.

I think he played about 27 games last year, scored five goals and he was in and out of the team. He didn’t play every game for Rangers.

He’s still learning his trade and I’m sure he’ll be delighted coming to Forest. It’s a really big chance both for him and Cummings.

But my big worry is that Scottish football isn’t as strong as what you’re going to get in the Championship.

Former Reds defender John Thompson on Barrie McKay.

It’s going to be a big step up for both of those players. I’m hoping they can stand up to it. But any signing is a bit of a risk, but there’s definitely potential there for both of them.

It’s nice to see Forest going and getting players. They’ve spent about £1.5million on the two and it shows Forest are going for it a little bit.

It’s not huge money, but they’re players that could end up being pivotal later in the season.

I don’t see any of them walking into the first-team straight away. They’ve got a lot of work to do but there’s potential there.”

For more from John, watch the July 25 episode of Team Talk on our catch-up service by clicking here.