Barrie McKay has shown his Hearts loyalty and he has the chance to go down as a proper Gorgie icon - Ryan Stevenson

If I was Robbie Neilson I’d have been waiting for Barrie McKay at the Oriam’s front door on Monday morning with freshly inked new terms in hand.

After reading his brilliant piece in the Sunday Mail , I’d be trying to get his signature on that bit of paper there and then!

To see Barrie saying he’s open to extending his stay at Hearts was superb.

And the fact he says he is playing with a freedom and enjoyment that he’s not had for a while is credit to Neilson and the coaching staff.

I can relate to what Barrie means when he explained he’s not finding it a chore. Every fan will think it must be great playing football every day for a living. They’re right to an extent.

But at the same time it’s a job, it can be a strain and sometimes it can really get to you. Especially if you’re in and out a team or don’t feel like your face fits.

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The fact Barrie is enjoying his football again is a credit to everyone at Hearts.

His assists are bettered only by James Tavernier this season and he finally got off the mark with that sensational goal against Livingston too. But just generally he has been brilliant.

Longevity is lost in the game now. But if Barrie stays medium to long term in Gorgie then he has the