Josh McPake has earned his first Scotland call-up after a remarkable resurgence at Hearts, less than three years after being without a club. Once regarded as a promising Rangers academy player, the 25-year-old winger endured repeated loan spells, uncertainty and a drop into Scottish League 1 before rebuilding his career through hard work and perseverance.

McPake made only one Rangers appearance and later moved between Dundee, Greenock Morton, Harrogate Town, Morecambe, Tranmere Rovers and Queen’s Park without securing a permanent role. After leaving Rangers in September 2023, he spent almost six months searching for a club before joining Stirling Albion, where his attitude impressed manager Darren Young and his performances eventually helped lead to a move to Hearts.