Toby Steward has his sights set on becoming Portsmouth's number one, but the 20-year-old goalkeeper has no desire to cut short his current St Johnstone loan. (The Courier), external
Image source, Getty ImagesSt Johnstone's Uche Ikpeazu came off the bench to equalise for Uganda as they drew 1-1 with Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 30-year-old striker, who has not scored for the Perth side since August, came on after 77 minutes in Rabat and three minutes later met Allan Okello's cross with a diving header to cancel out Simon Msuva's penalty.
However, Okello missed a chance to secure victory from the penalty spot as torrential rain engulfed the Al Medina Stadium.
After opening with a 3-0 defeat by Tunisia, Ikpeazu's side sit bottom of Group C and realistically must upset group leaders Nigeria in Fes on Tuesday if they are to have a chance of qualifying for the last 16.
Nigeria secured their place with a 3-2 win over Tunisia, for whom Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti was a second-half substitute, helping his side threaten a comeback from 3-0 down.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says there has been no further contact from Heart of Midlothian since the Scottish Premiership leaders sent a letter of intent last week to sign Josh McPake and he is confident the winger will want to help the Perth side win the Championship title before leaving. (The Courier), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSJosh McPake has scored 13 goals for St Johnstone this season
Manager Derek McInnes says Hearts are in talks with St Johnstone winger Josh McPake about a move next summer.
The Scottish Championship's top scorer, who scored twice in Friday's win over Ayr United, has 13 goals so far this season in all competitions.
The 24-year-old came through the Rangers academy and joined St Johnstone in July 2024 after a spell in League 1 with Stirling Albion.
"I don't know if it's all agreed or where it's at," McInnes told BBC Scotland after his side's 2-0 win over Falkirk.
"But it's a player who is of interest to us. We've been in touch with St Johnstone to notify them.
"It's something we expect to get done. But I can't really comment until that is factual."
McPake is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to sign a deal for next season when the January transfer window opens.
It is not clear whether Hearts are seeking to expedite the move to next month.
McPake had six loan spells while at Rangers before dropping down to the third tier, after which Craig Levein brought him to McDiarmid Park.
He managed one goal in 16 appearances last season as St Johnstone were relegated, but has found form in the second tier.
His 12 league goals have helped fire Saints three points clear at the top of the Championsip after 18 games.
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Former Hearts striker Lee Miller on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound
He has had a bit of a rollercoaster career so far. But the penny has dropped and he has found a home at St Johnstone. It has allowed him to go and express himself and he has a manager who believes in him and he's reaping the benefits. It'll be a coup for Hearts to get him.
Former Hearts striker Ryan Stevenson on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound
If Jamestown are involved, then amazing, but I think Derek [McInnes] will be massively involved in this signing. Fans love seeing Scottish players coming through. Hopefully he can come in and go from strength to strength.
Isaiah Jones, the 26-year-old winger who joined Luton Town for £5m earlier this year, admits his first loan from Middlesbrough to St Johnstone, where he played just five minutes, was "really bad" as he did not want to be at the Perth club. (The Beautiful Game podcast), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari will not change his January transfer window plans in reaction to the Championship leaders' recent dip in form. (The Courier), external
St Johnstone owner Adam Webb says concern for club finances and the risk of insolvency have been the same at the Championship leaders for more than a century. (The Courier), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari says Fran Franczak will leave on loan in January if the 18-year-old midfielder fails to secure more first-team football before then. (The Courier), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
