James McPake hoping to impress Craig Levein with solid Hibs showings

James McPake's form for Hibs has been acclaimed by fans© SNS Group

On-loan Hibs captain James McPake hopes his rock solid form could earn him a Scotland call-up.

McPake, who expects to return to Coventry City after his Hibs deal expires at the end of the season, has been influential as the Edinburgh side beat the drop and now go in to a Scottish Cup final.

With national boss Craig Levein having had a look at the ex-Livingston man in the past, McPake now hopes his performances could play him into contention for the upcoming Scotland friendly against the USA.

McPake told the Coventry Telegraph: "I'm not surprised by my form because when I have played games I've done well for Coventry and was on the verge of a Scotland call-up, which was a massive thing at the time and showed my form was good.

"I would hope to be knocking on the international door again although the manager has got his centre-halves and a settled squad, but you never know.

"I got close before so there's no reason why I can't get close again."

The 27-year-old defender will lead out Pat Fenlon’s team at Hampden and said that a permanent deal at Easter Road has crossed his mind but for now he is concentrating on maintaining his excellent form.

Coventry have been relegated from the Championship in his absence and admits the prospect of League One football is not as appealing as England’s second tier.

McPake added: "It's not as exciting a prospect as the Championship where there are better players and bigger clubs.

"But you just have to look at Southampton, Norwich and the two Sheffield clubs, once you start winning then relegation is quickly forgotten about.”

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