da bwin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
da bet7k： Steven Gerrard will let youngster Josh McPake decide his own future, with as many as four clubs interested in the 17-year-old, according to Football Insider.
What’s the story?
The winger has garnered interest from St. Johnstone, Doncaster Rovers and Ross County, per the report, as well as Scottish Championship side Dundee (according to The Atheltic, via The Scottish Sun).
Watch Rangers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
And Football Insider say Gerrard will let the wide-man make up his own mind on where he lands. McPake has until September 2 to make the big decision, with the Scottish and English lower league windows closing then.
As well as having four clubs interested in his services on loan, the 17-year-old could opt to stay at Ibrox and fight for his place in the first-team. Despite his age, he’s already made his debut, coming on as a substitute in his side’s 6-0 Europa League qualification win over St. Joseph’s.
Big pressure on young shoulders
The 17-year-old is clearly highly-rated having been handed his debut already, and the Football Insider report also alludes to how highly the coaches at Ibrox think of him.
This brings pressure though, as it means his loan move away will not be seen as just a gamble on a young player potentially getting some minutes under his belt. McPake already looks earmarked for a first-team role in the not too distant future, so will be expected to make an impact wherever he goes.
The greatest player ever to grace the Scottish Premiership is revealed in the video below…
As for the club itself, St. Johnstone, Doncaster, Ross County and Dundee all offer an interesting choice for McPake.
A move to England at such an age could be daunting though, and he need not look far for a cautionary tale. Gers youngster Jamie Barjonas had an underwhelming spell at Bury last season and has seen his career stagnate. The 17-year-old will be wary to avoid a similar move.
A switch to one of the interested Scottish sides then might make more sense, with Dundee an especially exciting prospect. Dundee have been crying out for width this season and McPake could be just the man to provide it. He would be the star man there in terms of sheer talent, so could get accustomed to the pressure that comes with playing for a club the size of Rangers.
It’s a big decision to make at such an age but we believe the 17 year-old should stay in Scotland, get some minutes under his belt, gain some experience with the rough and tumble of senior football and prove he has what it takes to be a success at Ibrox.
[ad_pod ]