McPake has been in outstanding form for Hearts, registering two goals and four assists in eight games. His ability to feint and go on his left side has been praised by former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson, who noted that it is hard for defenders to deal with wingers who play on the opposite side. "They always want to come on the inside, but he is happy to go on the outside and feint and go on his left side," Stevenson said. "One of his biggest attributes is you don't know which way he will go."
McPake's route to the top has been tricky, having been sent out on loan six times before settling at Stirling Albion. However, he has impressed in the second-tier last term and has now caught the attention of Hearts' head coach Wouter Vrancken, who praised McPake's ability to adapt and be decisive in certain moments.
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan believes that McPake has landed in the right environment with Vrancken and thinks he will be a manager who will enhance his career. "When they get him isolated, he puts defenders under pressure," Allan said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he is named in the next Scotland squad because he is the standout at present."
McPake's performances have also caught the attention of fellow forwards Calvin Miller and James Wilson, who are also in the mix for involvement in the upcoming Nations League games. Miller has already been capped, but has taken his game up a notch since spending the second half of last season on loan with Tottenham Hotspur's under-21 side. Wilson has also shown his potential, scoring a wonderstrike against Rapid Vienna and displaying "total striker's instinct" according to Stevenson.
Sebastien Pocognoli, the new national team head coach, was in attendance at the Edinburgh derby, where McPake spearheaded Hearts' entertaining victory over Hibernian. The clamour for McPake's inclusion in the Scotland squad is now becoming inescapable, and it remains to be seen if he will be named in the next squad.