From Rangers academy star to Scottish Championship's most lethal striker
In short: Josh McPake’s journey through the lower leagues was defined by a series of loans and injuries. However, a prolific spell at St Johnstone transformed the former Rangers winger into a decorated champion and the most sought-after talent in the division.
Born on 31 August 2001, Josh McPake emerged as a standout talent in the Rangers academy. After securing the Glasgow Cup, he was named the club's 2018–19 Academy Player of the Year, later winning the Scottish Youth Cup, the Under-18 League, and the SPFL Reserve League. This early development was highlighted by his standout performance during the 2018–19 season.
His professional path was initially marked by frequent movement. After extending his Rangers deal in July 2019, he underwent various loan spells at clubs including Queen's Park, Tranmere Rovers, Morecambe, Harrogate Town, Greenock Morton, and Dundee. These stints were often interrupted by setbacks, such as an ankle injury during his time with Dundee. He also spent time on loan at Tranmere Rovers. These various stints helped him gain essential experience across different tiers of Scottish and English football.
The trajectory of McPake's career shifted dramatically following his departure from Rangers by mutual consent in September 2023. After a brief period with Stirling Albion, he joined St Johnstone in June 2024. This move proved transformative; in the 2025–26 season, he became the top scorer in the Scottish Championship with 19 goals across all competitions. During his time with the Saints, he also scored his first goal for the club against Dundee. This period marked his transition into a clinical finisher.
Such impressive scoring resulted in unprecedented personal accolades, specifically the PFA Scotland and SPFL Championship Player of the Year prizes. His success earned him a move to Heart of Midlothian for the 2026–27 season and a senior Scotland call-up for the UEFA Nations League qualifiers in September 2026. He also represented Scotland at the under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels. This progression eventually led to his first senior international call-up.
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