Hearts transfer target praised amid 'dramatic' career turnaround that's sparked Jambos interest
The forward-thinking player has been performing well and attracted Hearts interest.
Hearts have been told one transfer target is a star reborn after a form surge that’s resulted in Jambos interest.
It emerged before Christmas that Hearts had entered talks over a pre-contract for St Johnstone winger Josh McPake. The former Rangers player went down the leagues to Stirling Albion after leaving Ibrox but has had a coming of age season in the Championship under Simo Valakari, scoring 14 goals with three assists so far, with the Saints favourites for an automatic return to the Premiership.
Adam Webb completed the purchase of the controlling interest in St Johnstone in July 2024 and has witnessed first-hand the rise of McPake, who was originally signed by ex-Hearts gaffer Craig Levein. Amid interest from England in striker Adama Sidibeh, Webb has credited Valakari for the rise in two of their assets.
St Johnstone on Josh McPake form
He told the Sunday Post: "Simo is really good at sitting down with guys and having a heart-to-heart. Seeing this over the line this season will be something they remember for the rest of their lives. It would be a triumph that this community will remember for decades. Being part of that improves their chances of starting wherever that may
"There are so many pros that comes with that - and the cons are nil. What we've seen from Josh since the Hearts news came out is total dedication. We know he's got the message and believes in making a great legacy at our club. I think Adama is the same. He's been here for two years and been embraced. Unless something dramatic occurs, he's going to see it out with us.
“Josh was in limbo before Simo came along. Whether it was Simo's direct coaching, the conveyance of his psychology about how you progress in this game or both. Josh turned a corner. It's been dramatic and Adama has developed an entirely different side of his game which has been about not trying to be the goalscorer at all times. He's doing everything else for the team and letting the good things come."
Josh McPake response to Hearts transfer interest
Former boss Darren Young said previously that it was a move McPake had worked hard to earn. The winger’s ex-gaffer from time at Stirling Albion said last month: “Josh deserves it for how hard he's worked, how well he's played and where he's come back from. If that move goes through, it would be amazing. Hearts are flying so Josh is going to need to step up another level.
“He definitely has the ability to do that. There's the Scotland situation, too, and, if he goes to Hearts and has a good few months, then who knows?
“But, first and foremost, he has to be producing goals and assists week in, week out. Staying at St Johnstone until the end of the campaign gets him a run at it for the full season. That might he good for him - I don't think he'll let it get to him."