Josh McPake set Scotland challenge as ex-national team ace marvels over rise to Hearts prominence
A former Scotland star has been assessing how one Hearts player will fare in the national team set-up.
Kevin Gallacher has challenged Hearts winger Josh McPake to become the type of player Scotland’s national team can count on in front of goal.
The national team return for November’s Nations League clashes at home to North Macedonia and away versus Switzerland next Monday. McPake has been called up for a second time by head coach Sebastien Pocognoli after debuting against Slovenia last month, as his Hearts form continues to earn international reward.
Former Scotland midfielder Gallacher pays attention to the domestic game and who could best fit the national team from it. Winger McPake’s rise from Rangers release to Hearts via Stirling Albion and St Johnstone has impressed Gallacher, who feels the path is inspiring. Ben Gannon-Doak’s time in navy blue has been disrupted by injury and now the 25-year-old Jambos has a chance to make his long-term Hampden claim.
How will Josh McPake do with Scotland national team?
He said: “It's a very unique journey. He's a tricky winger. Can he play that sort of left-forward role as he did when he came on in his last game? He's got the capabilities of doing it. It's a tough one for him being called in as a winger but you're going to have to play as a forward. This is what tests a player and their character. Can they do it, can they change their game slightly to go the next level up at international level, and to be fair I've been quite impressed with what Josh has actually done so far in the Hearts team.
“When you push forward into that front three, you've got to have assists, you've got to have shots at goal, and goals. Is that the thing that Josh is going to be able to do? We all see around about 27-28 you peak, at the best of your football career, but everybody peaks at different times. You're just hoping now that Josh has got that hunger and desire that's got him into this Hearts team and he drags it forward into the international scene.”
Mixed results in the last camp didn’t get Pocognoli’s tenure off to the best start, after taking over from Steve Clarke, following the conclusion of the nation’s World Cup campaign. There was a win had over North Macedonia away from home after starting out with a stalemate versus Slovenia, but Hampden Park losses to the latter and Switzerland sparked some concerns.
How is Sebastian Pocognoli doing as Scotland head coach?
Gallacher added ahead of the latest double-header: “I think it's difficult for a new manager to come in. We've seen what he's capable of when he pulls out the squad. He's probably kept around 60% of the squad that went to the World Cup. One or two injuries were out of that last squad, but then the new squad, some of the younger boys he had in the last time aren't included. He's having a look at them and giving the young players an opportunity to mix with the experienced boys, and seeing what the national setup's about.
“He brought this new system in which will take time because he seems to be sticking with this system. He's done it through all his club career in the 3-4-3 system. Now he's trying out with Scotland It's getting the players to be able to adjust from their club football into a 3-4-3 system that he wants Scotland to play.”
Kevin Gallacher was speaking in association with NetBet Casino| 18+ | Gamble Responsibly