Could Hearts’ McPake Break Into Scotland’s Squad?

While the city buzzes about the maroon‑clad side, the nation’s attention has turned to McPake, who is undeniably the standout figure at present.

In eight matches, he has contributed two goals and four assists, helping Hearts develop an increasingly attractive style of play and position themselves as strong contenders for the season’s most entertaining team.

During the opening half‑hour at their city rivals’ ground, the team was outstanding. McPake, alongside fellow Scotland prospect Calvin Miller, was unstoppable, staying wide on the flank and completely outpacing the home right‑back Felix Passlack.

He dismantled the former Borussia Dortmund defender before setting up James Wilson’s opening goal, a move that former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson highlighted as a clear illustration of the threat McPake poses.

“Defenders struggle when wingers operate on the opposite flank,” Stevenson remarked on Sportsound. “They instinctively drift inside, but McPake is comfortable staying wide, using feints to attack on his left side.”

“One of his greatest strengths is the unpredictability of his movement.”

That quality was on display again when McPake strolled through the defense to score a superb solo goal, a moment he was eager to achieve in his first city derby.

“I felt we began the match extremely well,” McPake told BBC Sport Scotland. “I managed to provide an assist in the first half, but I was particularly hungry for a goal.”

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