Forward 'ready' for Hearts transfer move as he heads to Gorgie with major award under his arm
The former Rangers player will become a Hearts player when the summer transfer window opens.
Josh McPake is ready to tune into Hearts’ ongoing title race - as the winger insists he’s eager to get going in Gorgie.
The former Rangers player has capped a stunning season with Championship title winners St Johnstone by scooping the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award. McPake’s attention now turns towards Tynecastle after he signed a pre-contract to join Derek McInnes’ Premiership leaders ahead of next season.
His soon-to-be club and the team he started his career at lock horns on Monday night in a critical match at Tynecastle. A Hearts win would put them seven points clear of Rangers in third with nine to play for while they’d be three ahead of Celtic a place beneath them in second. After proving doubters wrong in Perth, McPake now can’t wait to get going in Gorgie.
What award has Josh McPake won?
McPake told Sky Sports of his Player of the Year award and imminent switch to Tynecastle: “It feels very good. Obviously the recognition of my fellow colleagues and boys are playing week in, week out. So, yeah, it's brilliant. It's been a great season for me personally and the club in general. I think all the lads are enjoying it as well and they're out there as well. They came here to support me and I appreciate that from them.
“It's just been a brilliant season overall. I maybe had a wee bit of chip on my shoulder. Football doesn't wait on anyone. So, on to the next one. I'll obviously work very hard in the summer and hopefully come back stronger next season again. I'm looking forward to it. I think I'm ready to make that step up.
“Obviously I've had a very, very good season at St Johnstone. A club that's been brilliant for me. Obviously, the news was in January that I was leaving at the end of the season, but I made sure that January until the summer, I wanted to give my all for St Johnstone.
Josh McPake on leaving St Johnstone for Hearts
“I feel like I've done that. So, thankfully, St Johnstone will be in the Premiership with me next season. So, that's brilliant. I've kept a close eye on the title race all season, but I'll be watching every game from now on. I’ll have quite a close eye on it.
In a parting message to Saints on Instagram, McPake wrote: “After two seasons at St Johnstone it’s time to say goodbye. This club took a chance on me at a time I needed it most and for that I’ll be forever grateful. I got the chance to repay that in being part of a team that helped the club get back to the Premiership where it belongs. What a season it’s been. I just want to thank all of the fans in playing a massive part in my journey at the club. Saints will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
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