Josh McPake continued his rapid rise with another eye-catching performance as Hearts defeated 10-man Hibernian in a lively Edinburgh derby at Easter Road, with new Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli watching from the stands.
The 25-year-old winger, who joined Hearts from St Johnstone in the summer after a pre-contract move, was at the heart of everything positive from the visitors. He first set up James Wilson's opening goal before adding a stunning solo effort of his own, cutting inside from the flank before curling a shot beyond Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, with the ball deflecting in off Grant Hanley.
The goal capped a dominant opening period for Hearts, during which McPake and fellow wide man Calvin Miller gave the home defence a torrid time. McPake in particular tormented full-back Felix Passlack, repeatedly beating him down the line before cutting inside.
Speaking after the match, McPake reflected on his display. "I thought we started the game really, really well," he told BBC Sport Scotland. "Obviously, I got the assist in the first half, but I really, really wanted the goal."
The victory extended a remarkable start to life at Tynecastle for McPake, who has now contributed two goals and four assists in just eight appearances for a Hearts side quickly gaining a reputation as one of Scottish football's most watchable teams under manager Wouter Vrancken.
Former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson, speaking on BBC's Sportsound programme, praised the unpredictability McPake brings to Hearts' attack. "It is so hard for defenders when wingers play on the opposite side," Stevenson said. "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. One of his biggest attributes is you don't know which way he will go."
McPake's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Having come through the youth ranks at Rangers, he was sent out on loan on six separate occasions before eventually settling at Stirling Albion in League One. His performances there earned a move to St Johnstone, where after an initial relegation from the top flight, he flourished in the Championship last season under Derek McInnes, prompting Hearts to secure his signature on a pre-contract agreement. McInnes would go on to leave Tynecastle for Rangers before McPake's move was completed, with Vrancken subsequently taking charge.
Despite an early absence from Hearts' European squad, Vrancken has been full of praise for how McPake has adapted. "It was a difficult start and he had to adapt in several ways and the things we wanted to see and be decisive in certain moments," the head coach said. "But he did great and picked up those things and he is really strong in defence as well as offence and I'm pleased to see this happening."
Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan echoed the growing belief that McPake could soon earn international recognition. "I know he has had loan moves, but it is about getting the right environment and the right manager," Allan said on Sportsound. "Now he has landed with Wouter Vrancken and I think he will be a manager who will enhance his career. When they get him isolated, he puts defenders under pressure. I wouldn't be surprised if he is named in the next Scotland squad because he is the standout at present."
McPake was not the only Hearts player to catch the eye. Teenager James Wilson, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Tottenham Hotspur's under-21 side, scored his second derby goal and has previously impressed with a long-range strike against Rapid Vienna. Miller, meanwhile, continued his strong recent form having also scored a dramatic extra-time equaliser against Falkirk before converting a penalty in a shootout.
With Pocognoli set to name his first Nations League squad this month, all three Hearts attackers appear to be strengthening their claims for international recognition.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.