Linfield: Chris McKee believes young players can benefit from Irish League education
Chris McKee is enjoying life back with Linfield following a stint at Rangers
Chris McKee believes he has grown into the Irish League.
The 21-year-old was brought up on a diet of success having been a member of the Linfield academy from 2014-2018.
His impressive performances earned him a move to Glasgow giants Rangers, but he returned to Windsor Park on a loan basis in January 2022.
It has taken him time to adapt to the rigors of the domestic again but, after agreeing a two-year full-time contract, he believes he is now mentally equipped to become an established member of David Healy’s team.
“I grew up with Linfield, I was here as a kid,” says the Carrickfergus man.
“When I came in on loan, it was great, which was topped off by a League title win.
“I was at Rangers as a kid and a lot of it comes from that. It was a massive thing to move as a 16-year-old, it’s every kid’s dream, but I’ve learnt it’s not the be all and end all.
“Just look at Trai Hume. He stayed in the Irish League before getting a move to Sunderland, just look how well it has worked out for him.
“He came through the academy at Linfield, went out on loan and now he’s playing the Championship week in, week out.
“Everyone has different paths. At Rangers, I was lucky to have great support from the people within the club and from the people I stayed with, Pat and Gavin Field.
“They were super and made it so comfortable for me being away from home. They were like my second parents; I keep in touch with them.
“Even if I’d had a bad game, they remained so positive. I was very lucky that way. I was along with Ross McCausland and Lewis McKinnon who both played for the club, they were with me in the digs.
“It was great having them as mates. I lived with them for
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