No money for McKay, say Roar

Updated February 07, 2012 21:43:31

Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou says the Roar have absolutely no intention of paying Scottish power club Rangers a fat fee to buy back former captain Matt McKay.

This week's announcement that the wealthy Bakrie Group had upped their shares in the Roar from 70 per cent to 100 per cent triggered renewed speculation the Roar would pay whatever Rangers were asking to get the out-of-favour midfielder back as a marquee player outside the A-League's $2.4 million salary cap.

McKay wants out of his three-year deal with Rangers, who at the time boosted the Roar's coffers by $400,000.

But Postecoglou says neither he nor the club are interested in paying any money for his return.

"Nothing new there," he said when asked about reports the Roar were considering paying the Scottish giants to secure McKay.

"He (McKay) won't be coming to Brisbane Roar. He wasn't (coming) last week and he's not (coming) this week.

"The last time I spoke to Matt he was keen, but it's not his decision, it's down to his club.

"His club says they won't sell him or loan him out without a fee and we're not interested in that.

"I said that last week and nothing's changed since.

"People can speculate as much as they like but I'm not in the habit of lying and what I said last week stands."

Postecoglou says just because the club has a wealthy backer it did not mean they would splash out money on players.

"If we had that money we'd be spending it on a training facility to ensure this club is around for 50 years," he said.

AAP

Tags: soccer, a-league, sport, brisbane-4000

First posted February 07, 2012 21:43:31

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Moore implores McKay to stay at Rangers

Updated January 10, 2012 07:26:02

Former Socceroos captain Craig Moore has urged Matt McKay not to lose heart despite making only three appearances so far in his debut season at Rangers.

McKay signed with the Scottish giants in August but has been unable to earn regular selection at Ibrox.

The midfielder, who turns 29 this week, has become a regular fixture for Australia over the past 12 months.

However he is desperate to establish himself at club level and maintain career momentum after picking up the Footballer of the Year and Professional Footballers Australia Player of the Year awards in October.

The Roar have ruled out trying to lure the midfielder back to the A-League but Moore said there would be speculation surrounding McKay's future until he established himself at Rangers.

"For me, he is a fantastic player," Moore said.

"He is a box-to-box player, left of the midfield, not a wide left.

"He has not had too many opportunities, which is a shame.

"But he is a determined wee fella and he's in there and he's trying his heart out and he'll continue to do so.

"He's desperate to work his way into that team."

McKay's most recent appearance for Rangers was a 0-0 draw at home against St Johnstone on November 19 when he was replaced in the 63rd minute.

Moore enjoyed two stints at the Scottish heavyweights and advised McKay to sign with Rangers.

"The whole reason to come over to Europe was to strengthen his case for maintaining a position in the starting XI for the national team and also to go to the World Cup," Moore said.

AAP

Tags: scotland, soccer, sport, scotland

First posted January 10, 2012 07:26:02

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McKay makes impact in first Rangers start

Updated November 06, 2011 15:05:49

Socceroo Matt McKay has made an impact in his maiden starting appearance for Scottish giants Rangers, setting up the opener in a 3-1 home win over Dundee United.

The former Brisbane Roar captain delivered a cross in the 19th minute with Nikica Jelavic drilling a powerful header into the back of the net at Ibrox.

The reigning Australian footballer of the year signed on for Rangers in August but a knee injury and his league-leading team's form forced him to bide his time before Saturday's run-on appearance.

It is hoped his efforts will encourage manager Ally McCoist to provide the 28-year-old with more game time in the coming months.

The result stretched Rangers' lead on the ladder to 15 points, the club enjoying an undefeated start to the season with 12 wins from 14 matches.

McKay will fly out in the coming days to join his national team-mates for Australia's World Cup qualifiers in Oman this Friday and in Thailand on November 15.

Scott McDonald, who missed selection for the national squad, snapped his 10-match goal drought in the English Championship with a controversial 41st minute goal in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Watford.

The Australian, goal-less from 25 internationals, enjoyed a slice of luck at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon with the diminutive striker appearing offside from a pass from Barry Robson.

McDonald's initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but he slotted home the follow-up.

Meanwhile Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny set up the final goal in Bristol City's 3-1 win over Burnley.

The former Leeds player put Albert Adomah through a hole in the Burnley backline, the Ghana international running from halfway to score the sealer in the 73rd minute.

Tim Cahill came off the bench for Everton but was unable to score the equaliser as Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the English Premier League season with a 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Chris Herd prepared for national duties by playing in Aston Villa's 3-2 home win over Norwich.

AAP

Tags: scotland, english-lower, english-premier, soccer, sport, scotland, england, united-kingdom, australia

First posted November 06, 2011 09:51:21

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