Barrie McKay shrugs off 2016 comparisons as he insists Hearts are ready for final

The 27-year-old was a key member of the Rangers side who defeated Celtic in the 2016 Scottish Cup semi-final despite being a division below at the time. He even netted an incredible goal in the victory, which Rangers claimed on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

But while that was an emotional result for the Ibrox side on their journey back to the top tier of Scottish football, they failed to complete the job, losing 3-2 to Hibs in the final.

Mark Warburton’s side had wrapped up the title with four league games remaining and then had an extended break before the showpiece Hampden encounter as the Championship season finishes early to allow the play-offs (which Hibs competed in) to be played. There’s a feeling the lay-off contributed to a disjointed performance which aided Hibs in winning the trophy.

There’s a similar worry about this Hearts side as they seek to become the latest Edinburgh team to further delay Rangers’ wait for Scottish Cup glory. Robbie Neilson’s men had nothing riding on any of their post-split fixtures as the focus centred around getting players back from injury in order to feature at the national stadium.

McKay, however, insists his current team-mates are in a much better position than the Rangers squad found itself in six years ago.

“It is easier this time because we have had games right up until the cup final,” he said. “The last time when I was at Rangers I think there was a three-week break and that would have hampered us a little bit.

“Yes, it was definitely a career highlight to score against Celtic. Obviously the goal and the magnitude of the game, then we went on and won. It was the first one for a while so it was a big day for the club and for the supporters.

“We were on such a high after beating