Dundee manager James McPake has spoken to the Courier (page 49, 21/11/19) about the future of Rangers loanee Josh McPake.
The 18-year-old is highly rated at Ibrox, having won the Academy Player of the Year award last season.
Yet, he’s struggled to cement a spot in The Dee’s first-team, understandably finding the transition to senior football difficult.
His manager has no problem with his application though, and has suggested that his stay could be extended should Rangers deem it suitable.
“He’s young but he’s got a great attitude,’ he told the Courier (page 49, 21/11/19). “He’s always willing to learn. He’s started games and has experienced a derby.
“Will he be wanting to play more? Yeah.”
“It will be up to Rangers to say whether what he’s been getting is enough for how they see him developing, but he’s part of my squad and he’s there or thereabouts every weekend.”
Verdict
Having banged in goals for fun at youth level last season, Josh was likely expecting things to go more smoothly than they have in the Scottish Championship.
The teenager has only made seven appearances in three months, with just three coming from the start [Transfermarkt]. He’s yet to score for his adopted side and struggled to get into the game after coming off the bench in a recent derby defeat.
It’s good to see he’s sticking at it, though, and given his undoubted talent, he’s bound to start firing at some stage.
His initial loan deal is due to expire in January [Rangers.co.uk], but as is hinted at by the Dundee boss, it could be extended. The Gers did something similar with Ryan Hardie when he was on loan at Livingston last season, although he was scoring freely for a time whilst playing in West Lothian.