North MacedoniaMcPake Debuts for Scotland
Josh McPake made his Scotland debut in a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia and believes he should have earned a penalty. He came off the bench at Hampden on 72 minutes and turned in a lively cameo on the left.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Josh McPake made his Scotland debut in a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia. He came off the bench at Hampden on 72 minutes, soon after the visitors had moved 2-1 in front.
The Hearts winger turned in a lively cameo on the left and fans were not the only ones bellowing for a spot-kick when he tumbled under a challenge from Zan Karnicnik.
McPake said he was confused about the penalty claim, stating that contact was definitely there. He thought it should have been a penalty, but it's not for him to decide that.
Referee Jose Maria Santos was in close attendance and immediately waved the appeals aside as Scotland fell to their second successive home defeat under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
McPake added that making his debut was brilliant, but it wasn't the result they wanted. He thought he did well and wanted to bring a wee bit of positivity, forward-thinking, maybe getting at the full-back.
Scotland conclude their Nations League campaign in November at home to North Macedonia and away to Switzerland. McPake is eager to add to his first cap, saying he will keep his head down, work hard and hopefully do the things that got him to this moment.
McPake praised the talent of players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn, saying it's been a learning curve for him to see how they train and work day in, day out.
Key facts
- Josh McPake made his Scotland debut in a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia.
- He came off the bench at Hampden on 72 minutes and turned in a lively cameo on the left.
- McPake believes he should have earned a penalty after tumbling under a challenge from Zan Karnicnik.
- Scotland conclude their Nations League campaign in November at home to North Macedonia and away to Switzerland.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The result was a disappointment for Scotland, but McPake's debut was a positive note. The team will look to bounce back in their next matches. Scotland's Nations League campaign will conclude in November.
Positive
McPake's debut was a promising sign for Scotland, and he is eager to add to his first cap. He praised the talent of players like Andy Robertson and John McGinn, saying it's been a learning curve for him.
Negative
The defeat to Slovenia was Scotland's second successive home defeat under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. The team's performance was not enough to secure a win, and the penalty claim was waved aside by the referee.
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