Disaster Index: 4.1 Entry: Narrative Arc Risk, Pre-Camp Cause: Scotland camp includes a player whose backstory is now better documented than his defensive weaknesses. Category: Emotional Evidence: Josh McPake was without a club three years ago. Twenty months ago, no club wanted him. This week, first Scotland camp. The arc is compelling. The arc is not a scouting report. Historical precedent: Scotland has previously elevated the story of a player's arrival above the evidence of what he does once there. The record on this is mixed. Affected parties: Josh McPake; the portion of the Scottish public that has already decided how this ends; any tactical plan that requires the winger to be evaluated rather than celebrated. Immediate outlook: The call-up is noted. The Index will assess the evidence when evidence is available. Filed: 22 September 2026 / pre-camp