Rangers attacker Josh McPake is set to join Greenock Morton on loan despite interest from Northern Irish champions Linfield, according to Herald and Times Sport.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut as a substitute in a 6-0 Europa League qualifying win against St Joseph’s at Ibrox in July 2019.
That outing came shortly after he’d turned down interest from top European clubs including Liverpool and Borussia Monchengladbach [Daily Record] to pen a new three-year contract, tying him to the club until the summer of 2022.
McPake was quickly sent on loan to Dundee, for whom he made seven appearances in the Championship, but he struggled to nail down a spot and returned to Rangers in December, slightly ahead of schedule.
It looks as though he’s now poised for a second shot at the Scottish second tier, though, with Herald and Times Sport reporting that a loan move to Greenock Morton is imminent.
Ayr United and NIFL Premiership champions, Linfield, are also said to be interested, but it’s claimed that Rangers think regular Championship football at Cappielow will be more beneficial for his development.
Rangers attacker Josh McPake set for Morton loan move – Verdict
McPake has shown through his performances for Rangers Colts and Scotland U19s that he’s a highly talented wide player.
Yet, although he made his senior debut last season, he’s not at a level where he can realistically expect to make Steven Gerrard’s Premiership matchday squads, particularly after the signings made by the club this summer.
Rangers have always had a strong relationship with Linfield and it’s perhaps a little surprising that they appear to have cautioned against him joining a club who will be competing for multiple titles this season. Surely the pressure to win at the Belfast club would be good preparation for life as a Rangers first-team star?
However, perhaps assurances have been made about playing time at Morton and staying close to home may be preferable for the player.
McPake has a point to prove after his struggles at Dundee last season and should this move go through next week, it would provide him with a good chance to make his mark in senior football.