Josh McPake deserving of Rangers big chance as Micky Mellon backs 'top player' to make it happen

Micky Mellon has predicted this will be a big season for Rangers winger Josh McPake.

The youngster, who impressed and netted in Rangers’ 3-2 win over Patrick Thistle on Saturday, he was on-loan at Tranmere Rovers in the last campaign and his former boss expects him to really kick on this year. The 20-year-old has worked hard over the summer doing double sessions over the summer, with Commando X Fitness and a running coach, to get himself in prime condition for pre-season.

McPake has returned flying and has impressed Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his staff with his fitness, test results and the way he has applied himself. Mellon insisted: “Josh is ready to go. I have had a good few phone calls asking about him. He just needs that opportunity now and a coach to give him a chance to go play and to develop. Josh is now at an age where he has got to go and play.

“I genuinely believe this can be a big season for this young man. He is a talented boy, a good dribbler and a top footballer.

“He is quick and strong and he has all the attributes you need in the modern game. I am in no doubt he will develop very quickly into a top, top player.”

McPake’s Rangers career looked to be over last season but his hard work looks to have opened the door again. Mellon admitted he would have taken him back to Prenton Park but felt it was unfair because he has too many players already in that area.

McPake has had a string of loan deals at Morton and Dundee but recently he has had successful loans south of the border with Harrogate, Morecambe and Tranmere. If Rangers are to let him go out again then he is unlikely to be short of options. McPake now has more than 60 games under his belt and has also lifted the English Football League trophy.

M