On Tuesday afternoon, up and coming Rangers forward Josh McPake took part in a Q+A on the RYDC Twitter Account.
McPake may only be 17, but it’s already clear he has the potential to be a hit at Ibrox.
Last season, he impressively secured the Academy Player of the Year award, following consistently strong displays for both the Reserves and his Scottish Youth Cup-winning age-group side.
Stevie G clearly liked what he saw as, despite his age, McPake’s been involved with the senior squad throughout pre-season. He even made his Ibrox bow in the 6-0 Europa League Qualifying win over St Joseph’s earlier this month.
Rangers forward Josh McPake eyeing further playing time
Judging by his response to two fan questions this afternoon, it looks as though he’s looking to add to that debut, rather than moving away on loan.
It’d be a stretch to suggest that at 17, McPake will play regularly for the senior team this season.
Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe are the two senior strikers and the manager usually only plays one up front at any given time.
However, after the departures of Kyle Lafferty, Ryan Hardie and Andrew Dallas, there’s a lack of further competition.
Granted, Greg Stewart can also be deployed in the number 9 berth. However, as long as Gerrard doesn’t introduce an additional attacker to the ranks in August, McPake looks reasonably well placed to build upon his debut. His ability to play out wide should help to that end, too.
It’s great to see that despite his age, the teenager has big short-term ambitions. If he keeps working hard, his wishes could soon be realised.
