According to STV, the 23-year-old travelled to Murray Park on Friday to hold talks with Gers boss Ally McCoist but eventually opted to turn down the move.

It is understood, McGowan believed moving to the Scottish Third Division club would affect his international aspirations.

Gers are understood to have initially made a combined £1million bid for McGowan and team-mate David Templeton ahead of the transfer deadline and the club's own 12-month transfer embargo which begins on September 1.

McGowan has had a whirlwind few weeks, making his Socceroos debut against Scotland last month, while he also faced English giants Liverpool in the Europa League in the past fortnight.

The 23-year-old Adelaide product had a breakthrough 2011-12 season at Hearts, making 38 appearances in all competitions including the club's successful Scottish FA Cup final.

McGowan has begun the 2012-13 campaign brightly too, and reportedly attracted interest from Sheffield Wednesday.