Versatile young Rangers attacker, Josh McPake, was born in Coatbridge and came up through the Rangers academy.
Therefore, you would think that if he made it to international level, he’d 100% be turning out in a Scotland jersey.
Yet, according to a Daily Record report, it might not be quite that simple.
Ireland want Rangers attacker McPake
It seems the Football Association of Ireland have designs on snatching the 17-year-old from the SFA. McPake qualifies for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother and it’s suggested their governing body could soon look to force Scotland’s hand.
During the international break in September, Ireland U21s have two fixtures – one at home against Armenia, and another away to Sweden. It’s suggested that the FAI could call up McPake in order to present the youngster with a concrete decision to make.
If, by that stage, he hasn’t been called up by Scotland at that level, will his head be turned?
Verdict
It’s understandable that ROI would try to get McPake to declare for them. Not many attackers have made their debut for Rangers at 17, and whether playing out wide or up front, he certainly knows where the goal is.
However, you would think that at this stage, it’s highly unlikely the youngster would take the FAI up on their reported offer.
The SFA have made mistakes in this area before. Scott Arfield, now captain of Canada, is perhaps the best example of that.
It would be remarkable if they just stood back and let this proposed switch happen, though.
McPake is a high priority Academy star at Rangers and he should sit similarly prominently in the thoughts of Scotland youth selectors. He is a not a player they want to slip up on.
