Hearts winger Josh McPake is eyeing another career highlight at Hampden on Sunday four weeks on from making his Scotland debut at the national stadium.

The 25-year-old made an eye-catching contribution off the bench as he won his first cap in the 2-1 Nations League defeat at home to Slovenia on October 6.

This weekend McPake will return to Hampden intent on victory over Edinburgh rivals Hibs in Sunday's League Cup semi-final.

"It would be up there," said McPake of the prospect of reaching his first major final. "I think making my Scotland debut was certainly the top, but that would be something that would be amazing for myself, especially with the journey I've been on."

McPake can draw on positive recent memories of facing Hibs after he crowned his impressive performance with a goal in the 3-1 derby win at Easter Road in early September.

"Obviously that was a good performance from the team," he said. "I played well and all the lads play well.

"I think when we all play well, the individuals show. It's more of a team thing, making sure we do well as a team and then the individuals can shine."

As McPake's star rises following his move from St Johnstone in the summer, the winger feels he has become a marked man, with some opponents doubling up on him while he has also found himself on the receiving end of some robust challenges.

"Yeah, I do feel that," he said. "I think just naturally the way I play it's going to be tough in terms of fouls and physicality.

"I like to be physical in the game, so I think that's part and parcel of the way I play. There's nothing I can really do about it."