{{Short description|Footballer (born 1988)}} {{Use British English|date=October 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Billy McKay | image = | fullname = William Robert McKay<ref>{{Hugman|23953|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|10|22|df=y}}<ref name="Billy McKay: Player Profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishfa.com/international/squad-profiles/profile/2791/billy-mckay/ |title=Billy McKay: Northern Ireland squad profile |publisher=IFA |work=Irish Football Association |access-date=28 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315060822/http://irishfa.com/international/squad-profiles/profile/2791/billy-mckay/ |archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> | birth_place = Corby, England<ref name="William Robert McKay born in 1988 in Corby: Ancestry.co.uk">{{cite web | url=http://search.ancestry.co.uk/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=onsbirth84&so=2&pcat=ROOT_CATEGORY&gss=angs-g&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=William+Robert&gsln=McKay&mswpn__ftp=Corby%2c+Northamptonshire%2c+England&mswpn=86285&mswpn_PInfo=8-%7c0%7c0%7c3257%7c3251%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c5277%7c86285%7c0%7c&MSAV=1&msbdy=1988&cpxt=1&cp=4&catbucket=rstp&uidh=ixe | title=William Robert McKay: 1988 birth register for Corby, Northampton, England | publisher=Ancestry | work=Ancestry.co.uk | access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> | height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/team/player-profile/billy-mckay/10 |title=Billy McKay |publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C. |access-date=29 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401231631/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/team/player-profile/billy-mckay/10 |archive-date=1 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | position = Striker | currentclub = Inverness Caledonian Thistle (player/assistant head coach) | clubnumber = 9 | youthyears1 = 2005–2007 | youthclubs1 = Leicester City | years1 = 2007–2009 | clubs1 = Leicester City | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2008 | clubs2 = → Hinckley United (loan) | caps2 = 2 | goals2 = 1 | years3 = 2009–2011 | clubs3 = Northampton Town | caps3 = 74 | goals3 = 13 | years4 = 2011–2015 | clubs4 = Inverness Caledonian Thistle | caps4 = 121 | goals4 = 54 | years5 = 2015–2017 | clubs5 = Wigan Athletic | caps5 = 10 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2015–2016 | clubs6 = → Dundee United (loan) | caps6 = 29 | goals6 = 12 | years7 = 2016–2017 | clubs7 = → Oldham Athletic (loan) | caps7 = 23 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2017 | clubs8 = → Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan) | caps8 = 15 | goals8 = 4 | years9 = 2017–2021 | clubs9 = Ross County | caps9 = 102 | goals9 = 32 | years10 = 2021– | clubs10 = Inverness Caledonian Thistle | caps10 = 165 | goals10 = 41 | nationalyears1 = | nationalteam1 = Northern Ireland U18 | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = | nationalteam2 = Northern Ireland U20 | nationalcaps2 = 3 | nationalgoals2 = 1 | nationalyears3 = 2008–2010 | nationalteam3 = Northern Ireland U21 | nationalcaps3 = 7 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | nationalyears4 = 2013–2016 | nationalteam4 = Northern Ireland | nationalcaps4 = 11 | nationalgoals4 = 0 | manageryears1 = 2024– | managerclubs1 = Inverness Caledonian Thistle (Assistant Head Coach) | club-update = 10:09, 3 May 2026 (UTC) | ntupdate = 12 January 2024 | caption = McKay celebrates after scoring the winner against Rangers, February 2017 }} '''William Robert Mckay''' (born 22 October 1988) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Scottish League One club Inverness Caledonian Thistle where he is also Assistant Head Coach.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://news.stv.tv/sport/inverness-caledonian-thistle-administrators-reveal-interest-from-three-potential-buyers|title=Inverness Caley administrators reveal interest from potential buyers|website=STV News|date=24 October 2024|access-date=24 October 2024}}</ref> He has represented the Northern Ireland national team.
Mckay began his career with Leicester City, but was unable to break into the first team, spending some time on loan with Hinckley United. Released by Leicester in 2009, Mckay played for Northampton Town before joining Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Scotland in 2011. After scoring 62 goals for Inverness in three and a half seasons, Mckay was signed by Wigan Athletic in January 2015. He did not hold a regular place with Wigan, and was loaned to Dundee United, Oldham Athletic and Inverness over the next two seasons. Mckay signed for Ross County in July 2017.
Born in England, Mckay qualifies to play for Northern Ireland through ancestry. After representing the country at various youth levels, he made his full international debut in 2013.
==Club career==
===Leicester City=== Mckay was born in Corby. He started his career at Leicester City after being spotted as a youth by scout Bev Ironmonger. At a young age, he was brought into the academy, started to push for the first team and signed a new contract in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=McKay signs on|url=http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~1329737,00.html|publisher=lcfc.com|date=17 June 2008|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005195652/http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10274~1329737%2C00.html|archive-date=5 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite impressing with a prolific goalscoring record at academy and reserve team level for Leicester, Mckay was released at the end of the 2008–09 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-City-man-Lee-Cox-goes-north-border/story-12045381-detail/story.html#ixzz2Ogvartl1|title=Former Leicester City man Lee Cox goes north of the border|date=13 June 2009|publisher=This is Leicestershire|access-date=27 March 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421113030/http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-City-man-Lee-Cox-goes-north-border/story-12045381-detail/story.html#ixzz2Ogvartl1|archive-date=21 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
====Hinckley United (loan)==== He was loaned, for a month, to Hinckley United of the Conference North, in 2008.
===Northampton Town=== Northampton Town gave Mckay a trial during 2009 pre-season, where he impressed by scoring two goals, including an overhead kick, against Coventry City.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sky Blues lift Jackson Grundy Cup|url=http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/PreSeason/0,,10425~1723137,00.html|publisher=ntfc.co.uk|date=21 July 2009|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004035448/http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/PreSeason/0%2C%2C10425~1723137%2C00.html|archive-date=4 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> After this match he was awarded a one-year contract from manager, Stuart Gray.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10425~1724158,00.html|title=Mckay puts pen to paper|publisher=ntfc.co.uk|date=22 July 2009|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217064247/http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10425~1724158%2C00.html|archive-date=17 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Mckay also claimed the honour of becoming the first Northampton Town player to score in the 'new' rivalry with Milton Keynes Dons. He netted in a 3–1 defeat at stadium:mk. His first senior goal came during a 3–0 win over Accrington Stanley.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8205247.stm Mckay's first senior goal] BBC Sport. 13 August 2009. Retrieved 2010-01-13.</ref> After a couple of months coming on as a substitute without scoring – often played out of position – Mckay scored the winner against Dagenham & Redbridge, in the 88th minute, during a 1–0 win on Boxing Day.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8416625.stm Northampton 1–0 Dag & Red] BBC Sport. 26 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-01-13.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Cobblers end two-month winless run|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/cobblers-end-two-month-winless-run-1-895634|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=26 December 2009|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111011639/http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/cobblers-end-two-month-winless-run-1-895634|url-status=dead}}</ref> Four weeks later, on 26 January 2010, he scored and provided an assist for Ryan Gilligan in a 2–1 win over Darlington. This was followed up by a brace in 4–0 win over Accrington Stanley in February.
In late April, Mckay signed a new deal that kept him at Northampton after the club invoked a clause in his contract to keep him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Billy Mckay lands new Cobblers deal|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/billy-mckay-lands-new-cobblers-deal-1-898832|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=28 April 2010|access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> Afterwards, Mckay was happy to confirm his delight at remaining at Northampton Town.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cobblers striker Mckay happy to stay in the shadows|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/cobblers-striker-mckay-happy-to-stay-in-the-shadows-1-898861|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=29 April 2010|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111005706/http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/cobblers-striker-mckay-happy-to-stay-in-the-shadows-1-898861|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Mckay had made a total of forty-three appearances, including cups, and scored eight goals.
At the beginning of the following season, 2010/11, Mckay revealed his desire to double his scoring tally from the previous campaign.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton striker Mckay aims to double goal tally|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/8904152.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2010|access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> He was given the number 16 shirt, with his previous number 17 jersey being taken by Michael Jacobs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Purcell to wear Cobblers No. 10 shirt|url=http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/purcell-to-wear-cobblers-no-10-shirt-1-900108|publisher=Northampton Chronicle|date=28 March 2010|access-date=10 January 2014|archive-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111011635/http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/purcell-to-wear-cobblers-no-10-shirt-1-900108|url-status=dead}}</ref> After four games without scoring, Mckay netted his first league goal of the season in a 1–1 draw against Aldershot Town. He also found the target in a 2–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the first round of the League Cup.
On 22 September 2010, Mckay scored Northampton Town's first goal in a memorable League Cup victory over Liverpool at Anfield.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=307976&cc=5739|title=Reds crash out to League Two side|date=22 September 2010|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=8 December 2010|archive-date=26 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100926130717/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=307976&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref> Just three days later, he scored again and provided an assist for Ben Tozer in a 2–0 win over Bradford City. Mirroring the previous season, he then suffered a goalscoring drought. However, this was broken when he scored in consecutive games against Lincoln City and Cheltenham Town.
At the season's end, Mckay had made a total of forty-one appearances, including cup competitions, with a return of eight goals. At the culmination of the season, he was offered a new contract, despite eight players leaving the club on free transfers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eight leave in Northampton Town exodus|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13334606|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 May 2011|access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> Two months later, Mckay left Northampton Town, with rumours circulating that he had agreed to join a new club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northampton Town release striker Billy Mckay|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14136063|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2011|access-date=10 January 2014}}</ref>
===Inverness Caledonian Thistle=== After leaving Northampton Town by mutual consent, Mckay signed for Scottish Premier League club Inverness Caledonian Thistle, along with Aaron Doran from Blackburn Rovers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness set to confirm deals for Doran and Mckay|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14153414|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 July 2011|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Upon joining, his Inverness career got off to an unfortunate start after suffering an early injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Injury blow for Inverness CT as Owain Tudor Jones is ruled out for up to eight weeks|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/injury-blow-for-inverness-ct-as-owain-1109574|publisher=Daily Record|date=16 August 2011|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref>
He made his debut for the club on 27 August 2011, replacing Doran during the game, in a 2–1 win over Kilmarnock. However, Mckay's initial time at Inverness was mostly spent coming on as a sub – without scoring – and he was often played out of 'position'. Eventually, on 10 December 2011, he scored his first goal for the club, a header against Dundee United in a 3–2 home defeat.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16014954.stm Mckay's first Inverness goal]{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} BBC Sport. 10 December 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2013</ref> After netting his first goal, Mckay stated that he expected to score plenty more goals for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Billy Mckay wants goals to prove he can be strike star for Inverness|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/billy-mckay-wants-goals-to-prove-1090423|publisher=Daily Record|date=24 December 2011|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Unfortunately, he continued to find himself being used as a substitute. Nevertheless, his patience was rewarded when in April 2012, he scored twice in a 4–3 loss against Kilmarnock. At the end of the season, Mckay signed a two-year contract, just as his current deal was set to expire.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness midfielder Billy Mckay signs two-year extension at Tulloch stadium|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/inverness-midfielder-billy-mckay-signs-1128144|publisher=Daily Record|date=1 June 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In his first season, he made 24 appearances, scoring three times.
The following season, 2012–13, proved to be a breakthrough for Mckay as he went on a goalscoring run and became a key player for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness: Cup match-winner Billy Mckay eyes more goals|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20689618|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In the opening game of the season, he scored in a 2–2 draw against St Mirren and shortly after, in the second round of the Scottish League Cup, he scored with a header during a 1–1 draw against Stenhousemuir – a game in which Inverness won on a penalty shoot-out. A few weeks later, on 19 October 2012, Mckay scored twice in a 4–1 win over Dundee, and from 19 October to 10 November, he hit four goals in three games. Soon after, he scored the winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Celtic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic 0–1 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20374545|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 November 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> After the match, Manager Terry Butcher claimed that the success was 'magnificent'.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT boss Terry Butcher says win over Celtic was "magnificent"|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20481233|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 November 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In the Highland derby, fourth-round of the Scottish Cup, Inverness CT and Ross County required a replay to separate them, but Mckay grabbed the eventual winner in the replay. At the end of November, he was awarded the SPL – Player of the Month, along with Butcher and Doran, who won the 'Manager of the Month' and 'Young Player of the Month' respectively.<ref name = "Mckay SPL">{{cite news|title=Inverness CT sweep Clydesdale Bank SPL November awards|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20624797|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> A week later, Mckay scored his first career hat-trick, in a 4–4 draw against Dundee United.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dundee United 4–4 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20650417|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Between 24 November 2012 and 26 December 2012, he notched ten more goals (including the Scottish Cup) over seven consecutive games. This outstanding level of performance and goalscoring led to him speculatively being linked with English clubs.<ref>{{cite news|title=In-form Inverness star Billy Mckay ignores interest from English clubs|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/in-form-inverness-star-billy-mckay-1479071|publisher=Daily Record|date=9 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> The transfer rumours led to Butcher offering him a new contract. The manager also stated that Mckay was happy to remain at the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness: Billy Mckay 'happy at Caley Thistle', says Terry Butcher|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20827432|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 December 2012|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Furthermore, Butcher claimed his striker was worth more than Celtic's Gary Hooper.<ref>{{cite news|title=Terry Butcher: Billy Mckay is more valuable to Caley Thistle than Gary Hooper to Celtic|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/terry-butcher-says-billy-mckay-1550523|publisher=Daily Record|date=23 January 2013|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> On 19 January 2013, Mckay grabbed his first goal of the calendar year and then scored again in a 3–0 win over Aberdeen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 3–0 Aberdeen|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20996641|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 January 2013|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> In March 2013, he ended any transfer speculation by signing a new two-year deal. Terry Butcher expressed his delight to the media at securing Mckay's future at Inverness.<ref>{{cite news|title=Terry Butcher 'delighted' as Billy Mckay and Ross Draper sign new deals|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/billy-mckay-ross-draper-sign-1749230|publisher=Daily Record|date=7 March 2013|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> He 'celebrated' his contract extension soon after, in the Highland derby, by slotting home the winning goal from a penalty in a 2–1 win.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 2–1 Ross County|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21724386|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2013|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> He led the top-scorer charts for much of the season and had put himself in the running to win the 'Player of the Year' award. Had he done so, Mckay would have become the first man to win it (from a team other than Rangers or Celtic) since 1990, when Jim Bett claimed the award.<ref>{{cite news|title=Scottish football facing its most open Player of the Year contest for years|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scottish-football-facing-its-most-1775582|publisher=Daily Record|date=21 March 2013|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Ultimately, however, Mckay wasn't included in the shortlist; instead, teammate Andrew Shinnie was one of the four nominees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Griffiths, Higdon, Shinnie & McGinn on SPFA shortlist|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22276619|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2013|access-date=3 June 2013}}</ref>
By the start of the 2013–14 season, Mckay was linked with a move to Bulgarian club Ludogorets Razgrad following their £375k bid rejected by Inverness CT.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness hitman Billy Mckay says he is happy to stay in the Highlands despite offers from Bulgaria|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inverness-hitman-billy-mckay-says-2313211|publisher=Daily Record|date=28 September 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Mckay started the 2013–14 season with a goal in each of Inverness CT's first three league games, and eventually five in the opening five fixtures, including a double in a 2–0 win over Hearts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 2 – 0 Heart of Midlothian|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23822889|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> His impressive form continued with the only goal of the game away to Scottish Championship side Dundee in the League Cup,<ref>{{cite news|title=Dundee 0 – 1 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24122221|publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> and a double in the 3–0 home victory against Hibernian.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 3 – 0 Hibernian|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24185183|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 September 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> At that point, Mckay had a goal-a-game return with nine goals from nine matches. Mckay's prolific start to the season was recognised with the award of SPFL – Player of the Month for September.<ref name="Mckay award">{{cite news |title=Inverness striker Billy Mckay wins SPFL September award|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24592912 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=19 October 2013|access-date=19 October 2013 }}</ref> Mckay then scored two consecutive brace in two games on 12 December 2013 and 21 December 2013 against Hearts<ref>{{cite news|title=Heart of Midlothian 0 – 2 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25275635|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 December 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> and Aberdeen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aberdeen 3 – 4 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25376929|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 December 2013|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> In the Scottish League Cup final against Aberdeen, Mckay played the whole 90 minutes plus extra time before the game eventually reached a penalty shoot-out. Aberdeen won the match and the Cup after Mckay and Greg Tansey missed their penalties in the shoot-out.<ref>{{cite news|title=Aberdeen 0 – 0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26502621|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SPFL Awards: Aberdeen, Raith Rovers, Airdrie|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/spfl-awards-aberdeen-raith-rovers-airdrie-1-3342945|publisher=The Scotsman|date=17 March 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Mckay had successfully converted in the penalty-shootout in the semi-final against Hearts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heart of Midlothian 2 – 2 (2 – 4 penalty shootout) Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25900500|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Six days after the Scottish League Cup Final, Mckay bounced back when he scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Partick Thistle.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 1 – 0 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26589967|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 March 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Two weeks later on 4 April 2014, he provided assist for Doran before scoring the winning goal, in a 2–1 win over rivals, Ross County.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ross County 1 – 2 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26780784|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> In a 1–1 draw against Dundee United on 3 May 2014, Mckay was captain for the match in absence of Richie Foran.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 1 Dundee United 1: John Rankin insists allure of European football is added bonus as he seeks domestic silverware|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/inverness-ct-1-dundee-united-3497432|publisher=Daily Record|date=5 May 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> He finished the campaign with 22 goals from 46 appearances.
Ahead of the 2014–15 season, Mckay continued to be linked with a move away from Inverness, with clubs in Europe were keen to sign him,<ref>{{cite news|title=Frankfurt join the hunt for Inverness Caley Thistle goal ace Billy Mckay|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/frankfurt-join-hunt-inverness-caley-4043624|publisher=Daily Record|date=13 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> as Manager John Hughes said clubs keen to sign Mckay would need to have "exceptional offers".<ref>{{cite news|title=Transfer news: John Hughes aiming to keep Billy Mckay at the club|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11682/9410010/transfer-news-john-hughes-aiming-to-keep-billy-mckay-at-the-club|publisher=Sky Sports|date=7 August 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> In the 2014–15 season, Mckay started the season when he scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win over Hamilton Academical.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hamilton Accies 0 – 2 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28647037|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 August 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> However, Mckay struggle to score goals and it took until 8 November 2014 for Mckay to score twice, in a 4–2 win over Hamilton Academical.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 4 – 2 Hamilton Accies|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29860224|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Mckay went on to score four goals in three appearances between 8 November 2014 and 6 December 2014 against Motherwell<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 3 – 1 Motherwell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30065632|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 November 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> and Dundee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dundee 1 – 2 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30256973|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2014|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> Between 1 January 2015 and 24 January 2015, Mckay scored five goals and five appearances, including a double against Kilmarnock.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 1 – 2 Inverness CT|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30663704|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 January 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref>
With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2014–15 season, Inverness agreed to sell Mckay to Wigan Athletic in January 2015 for a deal in the region of £150,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Transfer news: Inverness striker Billy Mckay set for Wigan Athletic move|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11682/9684374/transfer-news-inverness-striker-billy-mckay-set-for-wigan-athletic-move|publisher=Sky Sports|date=28 January 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref>
===Wigan Athletic=== It was later confirmed that Mckay signed for Wigan Athletic on 30 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31058723 |title=Wigan Athletic sign Jason Pearce and Billy Mckay |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=30 January 2015 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> Following his move, Mckay was given the number 10 shirt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/billy-mckay-wigan-athletic-inverness-january-transfer-window-2234249.aspx|title=BILLY McKAY SIGNS FOR WIGAN ATHLETIC|publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C.|date=30 January 2015|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130202357/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/billy-mckay-wigan-athletic-inverness-january-transfer-window-2234249.aspx|archive-date=30 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mckay made his Wigan Athletic debut the next day, when he came on as a substitute for Martyn Waghorn in the 78th minute, in a 0–0 draw against Ipswich Town.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town 0–0 Wigan Athletic|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30962960|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 January 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> However, Mckay struggled to score and only made nine appearances for the club, eight of them as a substitute. Not only that, Wigan Athletic were relegated to League One at the end of the season.<ref name="MckayWigan">{{cite news|title=Caldwell: Mckay can be the real deal|url=http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-athletic/latics-news/caldwell-mckay-can-be-the-real-deal-1-7360658|publisher=Wigan Today|date=16 July 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>
Ahead of the 2015–16 season Mckay was once again in the transfer spotlight when he was linked with a move back to the Scottish Premiership, with Dundee United making a bid for him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dundee United approach Wigan to sign Billy Mckay|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/dundee-united-approach-wigan-to-sign-billy-mckay-1.889715|publisher=The Courier|date=14 July 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> The Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara then said that Wigan had rejected two bids his club had made for Mckay.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wigan Athletic reject second Dundee United bid for Billy Mckay|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/wigan-athletic-reject-second-dundee-united-bid-for-billy-mckay-1.889881|publisher=The Courier|date=15 July 2015|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref> These bids were rejected despite it appearing likely that Mckay's first team opportunities would be limited following the arrivals of Will Grigg and Craig Davies.<ref name="MckayWigan"/> Mckay then scored his first Wigan Athletic goal in a pre-season friendly match against Altrincham on 14 July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/report-altrincham-1-wigan-athletic-1-pre-season-mckay-2547464.aspx|title=REPORT: ALTRINCHAM 1 WIGAN ATHLETIC 1|publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C.|date=14 July 2015|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714220223/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/report-altrincham-1-wigan-athletic-1-pre-season-mckay-2547464.aspx|archive-date=14 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mckay then had his shirt number changed from 10 to 19, with his number 10 shirt being given to Davies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/wigan-athletic-squad-numbers-2015-16-2577189.aspx|title=2015–16 WIGAN ATHLETIC SQUAD NUMBERS ANNOUNCED|publisher=Wigan Athletic F.C.|date=29 July 2015|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810142613/http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/wigan-athletic-squad-numbers-2015-16-2577189.aspx|archive-date=10 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
====Dundee United (loan)==== On 27 August 2015, Dundee United agreed a fee of around £200,000 with Wigan to sign Mckay.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dundee United have bid accepted for Wigan's Billy Mckay|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34074171|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McLauchlin|first=Brian|date=27 August 2015|access-date=8 August 2015}}</ref> He signed for Dundee United the following day, but on a season-long loan deal rather than a permanent contract having reportedly failed to negotiate a severance agreement with Wigan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Billy McKay: Dundee United sign Wigan forward on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34091837|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McLauchlin|first=Brian|date=28 August 2015|access-date=28 August 2015}}</ref> One day after signing for the club, Mckay made his debut in a 2–1 defeat away to Ross County.<ref>{{cite web|title= BBC Sport – Ross County 2–1 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34025279|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2015|access-date=30 August 2015}}</ref>
====Oldham Athletic (loan)==== On 13 July 2016, Mckay signed for League One club Oldham Athletic on a season-long loan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Striker Signs On Season-Long Loan|url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/signing-striker-signs-on-season-long-loan-3184038.aspx|publisher=Oldham Athletic|date=13 July 2016|access-date=14 July 2016}}</ref> He made his first appearance for Latics in a pre-season friendly against Huddersfield Town.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/match-report-determined-latics-beaten-by-huddersfield-town-3189091.aspx|title=MATCH REPORT: Determined Latics Beaten By Huddersfield Town|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> He scored his first goal for Oldham in an EFL Trophy tie against Carlisle United on 30 August 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Oldham-Athletic-v-Carlisle-Utd-team-news-4a28fcbd-bd8c-4a0f-9b21-d69f8c095208-ds |title=Oldham 4 Carlisle 5 |publisher=newsandstar.co.uk |date=30 August 2016 |access-date=31 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911081730/http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/carlisle-utd/latest/article/Oldham-Athletic-v-Carlisle-Utd-team-news-4a28fcbd-bd8c-4a0f-9b21-d69f8c095208-ds |archive-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
====Inverness Caledonian Thistle return (loan)==== Mckay returned to Inverness on loan on 31 January 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Inverness CT sign Wigan striker Billy Mckay on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38808060|access-date=31 January 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=31 January 2017}}</ref> He scored a spectacular overhead kick to give Caley the win over Rangers on 24 February 2017, ending their winless streak that stood 15 matches, which started in October 2016.
===Ross County=== Mckay signed a two-year contract with Ross County in July 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/Sport/Football/Ross-County-snap-up-former-Caley-Thistle-striker-Billy-Mckay-on-two-year-deal-25072017.htm|title=Inverness Courier}}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> moving from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer, despite having a year to run on his Wigan contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40715965|title=Billy Mckay: Wigan sell Northern Ireland striker to Ross County |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=25 July 2017 |access-date=25 July 2017}}</ref> Mckay was released by County on 27 May 2021 along with nine other players.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rosscountyfootballclub.co.uk/news-items/squad-update|title=squad update|website= Ross County F.C.|access-date=27 May 2021|date=27 May 2021}}</ref>
===Inverness Caledonian Thistle (third spell)=== On 16 June 2021, Mckay re-signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://ictfc.com/billy-mckay-signs-for-ictfc|title=Billy Mckay Signs For ICTFC|website=ICTFC|date=16 June 2021|access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref>
On 25 April 2022, Mckay was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Will |date=25 April 2022 |title=Caley Thistle duo named in Championship team of the year |url=https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/caley-thistle-duo-named-in-championship-team-of-the-year-273256/ |access-date=27 April 2022 |website=Inverness Courier |language=en}}</ref>
On 17 September 2022, Mckay surpassed Barry Wilson to become the club's 2nd all-time goal scorer, adding his 83rd goal in all competitions, with a goal in a 3–2 away win against Dundee in the Scottish Championship.
Mckay scored his 99th and 100th Inverness goals in their 3–0 Scottish Cup semi-final win over Falkirk on 29 April 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/i-would-prefer-rangers-inverness-hero-billy-mckay-reveals-reason-behind-his-scottish-cup-final-wish-4124755|title='I would prefer Rangers' - Inverness hero Billy Mckay reveals reason behind his Scottish Cup final wish|last=Esplin|first=Ronnie|date=29 April 2023|website=The Scotsman}}</ref>
On 26 July 2023, Mckay became Inverness record goalscorer with his 102nd goal for the club in a 3-2 defeat against Airdrie.
On 17 August 2024, Mckay made his 300th appearance for the club against Montrose.
On 24 October 2024, Mckay was appointed as assistant manager to interim manager, Scott Kellacher, after manager Duncan Ferguson was sacked by administrators.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-24 |title=Three potential buyers interested in Inverness Caley Thistle |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78dlgx1e0vo |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==International career== Mckay was called up to the Northern Ireland national under-21 football team for the 2011 European Championship qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Iceland. He didn't play in the first match against the Czech Republic but started against Iceland in a 6–2 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/8242365.stm |title=Mckay starts but Irish are beaten |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=8 September 2009 |access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref> His first win playing for Northern Ireland came in a 3–0 success against San Marino.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130126130023/http://www.irishfa.com/the-ifa/news/5513/san-marino-u21-0-3-northern-ireland-u21/ San Marino U21 0–3 Northern Ireland U21] Irish FA 2 March 2010. Retrieved 6 March 2010.</ref>
Mckay was selected for the senior Northern Ireland squad in November 2012,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/mckay-called-up-by-northern-ireland-16236225.html |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=18 November 2012 |title=Mckay called up by Northern Ireland |work=Belfast Telegraph |publisher=INM}}</ref> and made his full international début in February 2013 in a friendly against Malta.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21313424.stm Malta 0–0 Northern Ireland]{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} BBC Sport. 6 February 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2013</ref>
==Career statistics==
===Club=== {{updated|match played 29 July 2023}}<ref>{{soccerway|billy-mckay/85216|accessdate=14 November 2017}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes League Cup, Scottish League Cup}} !colspan="2"|Othe !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Leicester City |2007–08<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2007|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |2008–09<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2008|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |League One |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0 |- |Hinckley United (loan) |2007–08 |Conference North |2||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||2||1 |- |rowspan="3"|Northampton Town |2009–10<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2009|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|League Two |40||8||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT|Appearances in Football League Trophy}}||0||43||8 |- |2010–11<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2010|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |34||5||2||1||4||2||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||41||8 |- !colspan="2"|Total !74||13||3||1||5||2||2||0||84||16 |- |rowspan="5"|Inverness Caledonian Thistle |2011–12<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2011|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|Scottish Premier League |22||3||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||24||3 |- |2012–13<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2012|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |38||23||3||3||4||1||colspan="2"|—||45||27 |- |2013–14<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2013|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |rowspan="2"|Scottish Premiership |38||18||4||3||4||1||colspan="2"|—||46||22 |- |2014–15<ref name="BM14">{{soccerbase season|51707|2014|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |23||10||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||26||10 |- !colspan="2"|Total !121||54||11||6||9||2||colspan="2"|—||141||62 |- |rowspan="4"|Wigan Athletic |2014–15<ref name="BM14"/> |Championship |9||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |- |2015–16<ref name="BM15">{{soccerbase season|51707|2015|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |League One |1||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||2||0 |- |2016–17<ref name="BM16">{{soccerbase season|51707|2016|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !10!!0!!0!!0!!1!!0!!0!!0!!11!!0 |- |Dundee United (loan) |2015–16<ref name="BM15"/> |Scottish Premiership |29||12||4||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||35||13 |- |Oldham Athletic (loan) |2016–17<ref name="BM16"/> |League One |26||0||2||2||0||0||5{{efn|Appearances in EFL Trophy}}||2||33||4 |- |Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan) |2016–17<ref name="BM16"/> |Scottish Premiership |15||4||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||16||4 |- |rowspan="5"|Ross County |2017–18<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2017|access-date=14 November 2017}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |23||3||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||24||3 |- |2018–19<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2018|access-date=29 July 2018}}</ref> |Scottish Championship |24||17||3||0||4||1||3{{efn|name=SCC|Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup}}||2||34||20 |- |2019–20<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2019|access-date=15 July 2019}}</ref> |rowspan=2|Scottish Premiership |27||7||1||0||5||4||colspan="2"|—||33||11 |- |2020–21<ref>{{soccerbase season|51707|2020|access-date=9 October 2020}}</ref> |28||5||1||1||6||1||colspan=2|—||35||7 |- !colspan="2"|Total !102!!32!!6!!1!!15!!6!!3!!2!!126!!41 |- |rowspan="4"|Inverness Caledonian Thistle |2021–22<ref name="auto">{{soccerbase season|51707|2021|access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref> |rowspan=3|Scottish Championship |32||9||2||1||0||0||9{{efn|Three appearances and five goals in Scottish Challenge Cup, six appearances in Scottish Premiership play-offs}}||5||43||15 |- |2022–23<ref name="auto"/> |34||13||5||5||5||1||1{{efn|name=SCC}}||0||45||19 |- |2023–24<ref name="auto"/> |0||0||0||0||3||2||0||0||3||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !66!!22!!7!!6!!8!!3!!10!!5!!91!!36 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !445!!137!!33!!17!!40!!13!!20!!9!!538!!176 |}
{{notelist}}
===International=== {{updated|match played 28 August 2019}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="4"|Northern Ireland |2013||4||0 |- |2014||5||0 |- |2015||1||0 |- |2016||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!11!!0 |}
==Honours== '''Ross County''' *Scottish Championship: 2018–19<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47985669|title=Ross County Secure title and promotion| publisher=BBC|date=26 April 2019|access-date=26 April 2019}}</ref> *Scottish Challenge Cup: 2018–19<ref>{{cite web|title=Ross County lifted the Challenge Cup for a third time|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47622909|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=23 March 2019|date=23 March 2019}}</ref>
'''Individual''' *SPL Player of the Month: November 2012, September 2013 *SPFL Championship Player of the Month: October 2018<ref name="poffT">{{cite web |url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/october-awards-for-county |title=OCTOBER AWARDS FOR ROSS COUNTY |publisher=Scottish Professional Football League |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> *SPFL Premiership Player of the Month: February 2020
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Reflist|group=note}}
==External links== *{{soccerbase|51707|Billy Mckay}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20150315060822/http://irishfa.com/international/squad-profiles/profile/2791/billy-mckay/ Profile] at Irish FA *[https://ictfc.com/player/billy-mckay/ Profile] at Inverness CT
{{Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. squad}} {{2021–22 PFA Scotland Scottish Championship Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mckay, Billy}} Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Corby Category:Men's association footballers from Northern Ireland Category:Northern Ireland men's youth international footballers Category:Northern Ireland men's under-21 international footballers Category:Northern Ireland men's international footballers Category:English men's footballers Category:English people of Northern Ireland descent Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Leicester City F.C. players Category:Hinckley United F.C. players Category:Northampton Town F.C. players Category:Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C. players Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players Category:Dundee United F.C. players Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:Scottish Premier League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:Ross County F.C. players Category:English people of Scottish descent Category:Footballers from Northamptonshire Category:21st-century English sportsmen