Josh McPake’s Hearts path is the same as mine and seeing him going a step further makes me smile – Ryan Stevenson

McPake took two steps back to move three forward in his career, much like our Hearts columnist, and is now reaping the rewards.

By Ryan Stevenson · Daily Record

Published: Friday, 18 September 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Josh McPake has been called up to the Scotland national team after previously playing part-time football.
McPake walked away from a Rangers contract to play for Stirling Albion before joining Hearts in the summer.
James Wilson was also named in Sébastien Pocognoli's first Scotland national squad.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Hearts winger Josh McPake has received a call-up to the Scotland national team, a milestone highlighted by columnist Ryan Stevenson as an inspiration for young players. McPake previously walked away from his Rangers contract to play for Stirling Albion before working his way back up to join Hearts in the summer.

Stevenson also praised James Wilson, who earned a spot in manager Sébastien Pocognoli's Scotland squad. Wilson returned to Hearts as a more mature player following a loan spell with the Tottenham Hotspur U21 side.

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