Jack Harper continued his impressive form for Malaga in Spain’s La Liga 2 at the weekend as he bagged the only goal of the game to send the Boquerones four points clear at the top of the Segunda Division.

The 22-year-old, whose family swapped Barrhead for the Costa del Sol before he was born, signed a five year contract with Real Madrid as a 16-year-old but moved to Brighton in the English Championship in 2015 before returning to Spain to sign for Malaga last season.

Harper was a standout in the Malaga academy and has grabbed his opportunity in the first team after a total clear out last summer following the club’s first relegation in over a decade. 

New coach Joan Ramon Muniz handed Harper a chance during pre-season this summer and the youngster hasn’t looked back, playing a pivotal role in the club’s impressive run of form, making seven appearances and netting two goals - including Saturday’s winner.

The Scottish youth international has been ever-present up front for the Blue and Whites this season with his all-round performances keeping high profile summer signing Hector Hernandez, on-loan from Atletico Madrid, out of the starting XI.

His performances have seen him tipped for a full Scotland call-up after representing the national side at U17 and U19 level. Harper was recently called up to join the U21 squad for their UEFA Championship qualifiers but had to reject the offer at the request of Malaga.