Linfield hot-shot Chris McKee “regrets nothing”, as he gave up on an adventure with Glasgow giants Rangers, to come back to club he knows best.
Speaking like a man with the confidence and maturity that belies his 21 years, McKee has already been on a journey most football veterans would be proud of. However, he’s not quite done yet and has his eyes on the very top.
After starting out at the Linfield U11 side, the Carrickfergus native moved his way through the ranks at the south Belfast side, before the Ibrox club came calling.
“Yeah, it was fantastic. Growing up as a fan it was a dream come true to be approached by them (Rangers)”, he said.
“Ex-player Phil Cowen was the chief youth scout for Rangers at the time and they made clear their interest in signing me, for me it was a bit of a no-brainer.”
Cowen himself has just recently made the move from Rangers to Arsenal as head scout and McKee recognises his part in the easy transition he faced moving across the Irish Sea.
“Between Phil and the Steel family who took me in, the move was incredibly smooth. I never got so homesick that I wanted to go home and I think that’s credit to the club.”
After two years at Ibrox and impressing with consistent goals in the reserve team, things started to unravel due to a combination of a bad hamstring injury and Covid.
“Covid was a big interruption where we were out and in, and then weren’t allowed to train with the seniors because of the bubbles.
“That came at a time when I was really on top of my game, so bad timing I guess, but it is what it is,” he contemplated.
With a competitive squad and a slow rehab from his hamstring injury, McKee found himself suddenly down the pecking order. He approached management and asked could he go on loan. This was granted and Linfield reaped the rewards in January 2022.
“David (Healy) was great," he said.
“He sat me down on day one and said: 'I can’t guarantee you will play every minute, but you will get opportunities', that was enough for me.
“I’ve always been confident in my own ability and knew I would succeed if I was given the opportunity.”
He certainly has taken the opportunity. The striker has struck eight league goals already, in addition to two goals in Europa League qualification.
Something that has not only caught the eye of local fans but also of Tommy Wright, the Northern Ireland U21 boss.
“Yes, I love getting away on International duty,” said Mckee
“We are in camp from this week for a huge game at Goodison Park next week against England. It doesn’t get much better than that.
“The campaign has been frustrating so far with one win and three defeats but we are a fresh squad and I think we will get better.
McKee's is one of a number of international call-ups which have forced the postponement of Linfield's Sports Direct Premiership match with Crusaders on Satuday.
Whilst making sure he confirms that all his attention and focus is on succeeding with the Blues, he does not shy away from having loftier ambitions.
“For me, I want to be playing at the very top level.
“I believe I have the ability and just getting a run of games injury-free will give me an excellent chance to succeed.
“I think every player harbours those ambitions of football at a high level across the water and I’m no different.
“But for now it’s about winning as much as I can with Linfield. That’s what’s expected at the club, that’s what’s demanded.”
