Rangers academy product completes epic turnaround as he speaks out ahead of Hearts transfer move
The St Johnstone star is looking to kick on next year after the season of his life
Rangers academy product Josh McPake is delighted to have won the Scottish Championship PFA Player of the Year award with Premiership-bound St Johnstone and is looking forward to his next challenge at Heart of Midlothian.
The winger signed a pre-contract agreement deal in January with Hearts, who he will join in the summer full of confidence having been in the form of his life for the Saints. McPake was once an exciting prospect coming through the ranks at Rangers but only made one first team appearance during his four years at Ibrox and was farmed out on loan to six different clubs. He left Govan in September 2023 by mutual consent and was club-less for six months before Stirling Albion picked him up.
After spending half a season with the Binos, St Johnstone signed him after a successful trial period. It was a tough first season for the 24-year old at McDiarmid Park as they were relegated from the top flight, however, they kept manager Simo Valakari and have now won promotion back to the big time in emphatic fashion, winning the league by 11 points. McPake’s pre-empted move to Gorgie clearly hasn’t led to him taking the eye off the ball in Perth, as he finished the division’s top scorer with 16 goals.
Former Rangers star proves doubters wrong with Player of the Year award
Speaking to Sky Sports after winning his PFA award, McPake admitted that he felt he had a point to prove with the Saints, as he now starts to show signs he can fulfil his potential. He said: “It feels very good (to win the award). Obviously the recognition of my fellow colleagues and boys I play with week in, week out. It's brilliant.
“It's been a great season for me personally and the club in general. It's just been a brilliant season overall. I had maybe a wee bit of a chip on my shoulder (moving to Saints). I feel like I have done that but obviously football doesn't wait on anyone. On to the next one. I'll obviously work very hard in the summer and hopefully come back stronger next season again.”
McPake on Hearts switch and title race interest
While the Hearts-bound winger is looking forward to making the ‘step up’ to the top flight, he also wanted to ensure he finished the season on a high with St Johnstone. He added: “I'm looking forward to it (going to Hearts). I think I'm ready to make that step up. I've had a very good season at St Johnstone. The news come out in January that I was leaving at the end of the season. I made sure that January to the summer I wanted to give my all for St Johnstone. I feel like I've done that. Thankfully St Johnstone will be in the Premiership with me next season.”
Rangers are currently in the midst of a title race with McPake’s soon-to-be club, as the Scotsman’s attention now turns to Tynecastle, he claims he’ll be watching on with interest for the remainder of the current campaign. He continued: “I've kept a close eye on it (title race) all season. I'll be watching every game from now on. I have quite a close eye on it.”
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