Rangers loanee misses season opener as manager admits injury leaves him short

Rangers loanee Josh McPake was unable to make his debut for Morecambe yesterday as they kicked off their League One campaign after injury ruled the Scotland youth international out.

Morecambe picked up a creditable 2-2 draw with the Tractor Boys to get their season underway but the absence of McPake is one that will have caught the eye at Rangers.

Manager Stephen Robinson admitted before the game that he isn’t sure how long the 19-year-old will be out action but concedes that his injury absence leaves the Shrimps short of attacking options.

“Josh was out with an ankle injury, so we aren’t sure how long he’s going to be out for but he’s been really good,” Robinson said.

“I think we are a bit short in the forward areas for now.”

McPake signed a new contract at Rangers before heading out on loan and is highly regarded at Ibrox by the Gers’ coaching staff.

The winger spent time at Harrogate Town last season, impressing in League Two before stepping up a level to join Morecambe in the summer.

Rangers and Morecambe will both be hoping McPake is back in action quickly though as he looks to force his way into the first-team picture at Ibrox.

In other news, ‘But how’: Gary Lineker reacts to shock transfer claim coming out about Tottenham Hotspur