Harrogate Town pull off transfer coup in landing young Glasgow Rangers star on loan

Harrogate Town have pulled off something of a transfer coup, landing one of Scottish football's hottest talents under the noses of a couple of their League Two rivals.
Josh McPake celebrates scoring for Scotland under-19s against Germany. Picture: Getty ImagesJosh McPake celebrates scoring for Scotland under-19s against Germany. Picture: Getty Images
Josh McPake celebrates scoring for Scotland under-19s against Germany. Picture: Getty Images

The Sulphurites beat off reported interest from Salford City and Forest Green Rovers to secure the services of exciting Glasgow Rangers attacker Josh McPake on a loan deal until the end of the season.

"We are thrilled to get him," Town manager Simon Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser after capturing the Scotland under-19 international's signature.

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"He's good with both feet, can play on either wing or in a more central role and is entertaining to watch.

Josh McPake will wear the number 28 shirt at Harrogate Town.Josh McPake will wear the number 28 shirt at Harrogate Town.
Josh McPake will wear the number 28 shirt at Harrogate Town.

"I saw straight away what a hungry player he is, he's a really good lad and I think he'll do very well for us."

McPake, 19, is a product of the Rangers youth system and was named the Ibrox club's Academy Player of the Year for 2018/19.

During that same season he also won SPFL Reserve League, Under-18 League and the Scottish Youth Cup.

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Having impressed in the development squads at his boyhood club, McPake went on to make his professional debut for the Gers in July 2019, coming on as a substitute in a UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Gibraltese side, St Joseph's.

The 2019/20 campaign saw the Scotsman spend time on loan at Scottish Championship side Dundee FC, before an ankle injury brought his spell with the Dark Blues to a premature end. He then joined another second-tier outfit, Greenock Morton, on loan at the start of this season.

The livewire attacker, who has been capped six times by his country's under-19s team, will wear the number 28 shirt at Harrogate and is in contention to make his debut against Cambridge United on Saturday.