Hearts goalkeeper Liam McFarlane has shown he has all the attributes he needs to make it at the very highest level of the game after helping Alloa Athletic to become one of the best defensive teams in the whole of Scotland this season.
That was the declaration from Wasps manager Andy Graham after the side's goalless draw at home to Stenhousemuir.
McFarlane has been farmed out by the Tynecastle club, who have Alexander Schwolow, Craig Gordon, Zander Clark and Ryan Fulton on their books, during the 2025/26 campaign.
The 6ft 5in 21-year-old, who was briefly recalled by Hearts manager Derek McInnes when Fulton was sidelined, has kept no fewer than eight clean sheets in 20 appearances in all competitions for Alloa.
They have conceded just 13 goals in the league this term – a record which is only bettered by leaders Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who have played two games less – and are firmly on course for a play-off place as a result.
Graham knows that McFarlane, who signed a new contract which keeps him in Gorgie until 2028 back in August, has been integral to the success which his men have enjoyed at the back during the past five months and is convinced the loanee has a bright future ahead of him in the professional game.
“We’ve been strong defensively,” he said after a 0-0 draw with Gary Naysmith’s men. “Our defensive record has been outstanding in fact. Only Inverness have got a record that is as good as ours in the whole country. So that's been really pleasing.
“Young Charlie Dewar, who is just 18 and who has come in from Dundee United on loan, has been excellent for us at centre half. But big Liam McFarlane has been absolutely outstanding in goals.
“I think Liam's got the opportunity to go and play at the highest level with the attributes he’s got. For a young man, he's very calm and assured. That's what I love about him - he's not up and down.
“Some goalies make saves and start jumping around and shouting about it. But Liam is just so calm all the time. He isn’t really any different when he makes a mistake to how he is when he makes a great save.
“He's a big part of the reason we've got such a strong defensive record. He's been really good for us. I think he's got every chance of making it with the potential he has. He needs to be out playing football. There's no point in him being third choice at Hearts or whatever. But that is exactly what he is doing.”
Graham continued, “Derek's been excellent with us. He took Liam back earlier in the season and that was, even though our reserve goalie Tochukwu Ogayi did really well, a bit of a blow for us at that point. But we waited and we managed to get him back.
“He's got such a big stature. He's 6ft 5in, he’s an absolute monster. If the big man's coming for something, he's taking bodies. I think opposition players know that and say, ‘Oh wait a minute here!’ But having his sort of physique will only help him in the modern game.
“There are little things Liam has to work on and he needs a wee bit of luck along the way. But he's got all the qualities he needs to make it, no doubt about it."
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