Is Hearts' McPake poised to gatecrash Pocognoli's Scotland squad?

WHAT HAPPENED
On the eve of the Scottish FA's summit on youth development, Hearts beat Hibernian in an Edinburgh derby in which Josh McPake was the standout performer. The 25-year-old winger both created the opener for James Wilson and later scored a solo goal that swung the crowd behind the goal into celebration; his shot was bent past Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger and took a deflection off Grant Hanley.

New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, recently appointed and Belgian, was in the Easter Road stands to watch the match as McPake led Hearts’ attacking display.

KEY CONTEXT
- McPake moved to Hearts in the summer after signing a pre-contract in January; he joined from St Johnstone and is a product of the Rangers youth system.
- His route to the top included six loan spells and a period at Stirling Albion, followed by time at St Johnstone that included a top‑flight relegation before he shone in the second tier.
- In his first eight games for Hearts he has recorded two goals and four assists.
- After a challenging start at Tynecastle he was omitted from Hearts’ initial European squad, but current head coach (Ruben) Vrancken has praised his improvement, noting he has adapted to demands and contributes defensively as well as offensively.

WHY IT MATTERS
McPake’s performance has intensified public calls for his inclusion in the Scotland squad: supporters and commentators have highlighted his ability to unsettle full‑backs by varying his movement and his capacity to both create and finish chances. With Pocognoli present at the game, the showing provides a timely audition for a player whose early impact at Hearts has rapidly raised his profile.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Pocognoli will act on the growing calls for McPake and include him in forthcoming Scotland squads remains open; McPake himself has been reluctant to discuss international selection.
- Monitor McPake’s form across more matches to see if he sustains the early-season numbers (two goals and four assists in eight appearances) and whether Hearts revisit European squad choices.

KEY FACTS
- Age: 25.
- Hearts appearances: eight games, two goals, four assists.
- Scored a derby solo goal that beat Raphael Sallinger and deflected off Grant Hanley.
- Created the opener for James Wilson in the same match.
- Signed a pre-contract with Hearts in January after spells including six loans and a stint at Stirling Albion; left St Johnstone for Hearts in the summer.
- New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli was in the crowd for the match.