Glasgow Rangers' Josh McPake says joining Harrogate Town on loan was 'definitely the right decision'

The highly-rated attacker joined the League Two Sulphurites in January and quickly established himself as a key member of Simon Weaver's side out on the left wing, netting four goals in 24 appearances.

The 19-year-old has now returned north to Ibrox, but feels that he goes back to the Scottish giants a better person and player than when he left.

“I moved in January after being at Morton for the first half of the season and I have loved the experience," McPake told Rangers TV.

“I have definitely grown as a person during this loan spell. This is the first time I have moved away from home so this experience has helped me a lot.

“The club have really looked after me, they have been brilliant with me since I joined to be honest and are always asking if they can do anything to help me and check on how I am doing each day.

"I have enjoyed the physicality and speed of the game, it suits my game and the move has worked out really well.

“The standard of football has been really good and there are a lot of good players in this league. Playing regular competitive games has been important and I was ready to go on loan. It has definitely been the right decision."

McPake demonstrated a lot of promise when he first arrived in North Yorkshire, and although a number of inconsistent performances followed, he seemed to really find his rhythm during the latter weeks of the season.

A string of high-quality displays during April were backed up by goals in consecutive games against Leyton Orient and Bradford City the latter wrapping up a victory which secured Harrogate's Football League status.

And, having made a positive impression on Town's supporters, McPake says that he was certainly feeling the love south of the border.

“The fans have really taken to me and I have had a lot of supportive comments on Twitter. I think I am getting a statue built down here," he joked.

“I have scored a few goals and even scored against Bradford the other week which was important so I definitely feel I have helped them.

“The plan was for Harrogate to stay up as this was their first season in league football and we have done that."

McPake revealed that a warm welcome from the Town dressing room helped him deliver out on the pitch, and says he learned plenty from one team-mate in particular.

“My team-mates really helped me settle when I first joined, there are some good players," he said.

"Guys like striker Jon Stead have played in the English Premier League and he has helped me with my finishing.

“He is a quality player, I knew who he was and I could see his quality on the ball from the first training session, so it is great to learn from players like that."