Josh McPake is confident he can keep kicking on at Hearts after being heartened by his growing prominence with his new club.
The 24-year-old winger was widely deemed to be a project signing after joining from St Johnstone in the summer, and was left out of the European squad for the Champions League qualifiers against Sturm Graz last month.
However, McPake has swiftly worked his way into Wouter Vrancken’s plans, featuring in the last five matches and starting three of the last four, including Thursday’s 2-2 Conference League play-off draw at home to Rapid Vienna.
“It was obviously one of my aims coming here, to get involved in goals and assists and the positive play,” said McPake, whose direct wing play forced an own goal from Rapid’s Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao. “I feel like I did that (against Rapid), so yes, I’m pleased.
“Obviously, I had confidence in myself coming here. I said that even when I was at St Johnstone and I got asked the questions about here, that I had the confidence to step up.
“I’m enjoying it so far. I’m loving these types of games against Benfica and Rapid Vienna, so we’ll see what else I can do. I feel like just taking it one game at a time, not getting too far ahead of myself and not looking back.”
Read more
-
Under-fire Gianni Infantino's bizarre 'hairdressers' exchange with reporter
-
Lionel Messi fined 'undisclosed amount' for slapping opposition player
-
Manager urges Premiership side to bounce back from 'devastating' injury blow
McPake appears to be thriving within Vrancken’s bold attacking style. “I have loads of positive chats with him just about going forward, but also the defending side of it, making sure I’m switched on there,” he said.
“He’s massive on that. It’s been brilliant so far, and I’ve loved working with him.”
Hearts have notched 13 goals in their last four matches, and McPake is confident they have the firepower to contend with free-scoring Rapid in next Wednesday’s Conference League shoot-out in Vienna.
“I think we’re in a pretty good spot,” he said. “I think we gave a good account of ourselves and we’re pleased with the result so far. We’ll get to the next leg with a load of confidence.
“They’re a very, very good side as well. I thought they were good and obviously they got their two goals, so hopefully next week will be a good one.
“The way our manager wants to play is very, very attacking and it involves loads of goals and assists and dangerous play. There’s quite a few more goals in this team still to happen, so I’m looking forward to it.”
