The Thistle Archive

Daniel arrived at Firhill from Hibernian, leaving the Hibees after three years in the capital. He began his senior career with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, scoring on his professional debut against Peterhead aged just 16. After a loan stint with Elgin City, Daniel became a key player for the Caley Jags in 2020/21 as he scored nine goals in 30 competitive matches that season; form that would see him involved in the Scotland under 21s side and earn him a move to Hibernian.

The winger made his debut for Hibs from the start in a Euorpa Conference League qualifying first leg win over FC Santa Coloma at Easter Road before then coming off the bench to score in the return leg at the Estadi Nacional d’Andorra. Later that season he joined Kilmarnock on loan where he played 10 league games, including a debut in a draw at Firhill, as Killie lifted the Championship title. MacKay has had further loan spells with former club Caley Thistle (2022-23) and Livingston (2023-24), scoring in the Scottish Cup semi-finals and final during his temporary return to Inverness.

Upon signing for Thistle in June 2024, Jags manager Kris Doolan said:

We came into this transfer window looking to strengthen the wide areas so adding Daniel to the squad is very pleasing. He brings a lot of pace and directness to our attacking options having played at Premiership level last season. After Steven Lawless’ injury we ended up with players playing out of position so we’re hoping to create a bit more depth in that part of the team this season to avoid that. In Daniel’s last two full seasons at this level he’s played just over 50 games and been involved in 17 goals which is a good return and we’re hoping that playing alongside some of our attacking players he can become even better and produce even more.