Mcginn’s big heart a winner

JOHN MCGINN’S wonder goal for Scotland against Austria may have left fans gasping but David Longwell was not surprised.

St Mirren’s former youth development coach has known Mcginn (above) since he was just seven, helping the midfielder go on to 98 appearances for the club.

Longwell recalls a determined youngster who was small in stature but with a huge heart.

That determination was evident in his contribution to Scotland’s World Cup qualifying bid, including a memorable late equaliser against Austria with a fabulous overhead kick and a brace versus the Faroe Islands.

Mcginn, 26, has emerged as a vital performer for both Aston Villa and Scotland after helping keep Dean Smith’s men up last term and also steering his nation to this summer’s rescheduled Euros via the play-offs.

Longwell said: “It is incredible to see boys progress from a small provincial club like St Mirren to the Premier League or the highest level at the European Championships.

“I had John since he was seven. He is a strong character. When he was younger it took him time to grow. It was tough for him but it shows how strong a character he is that he has come through and just kept working.

“He plays the game with a hunger and a desire. He has never changed and is still the same humble young man he has always been. It epitomises who he is as a person and he comes from a great family.

“Those values have taken him through his whole life and he still has them to this day.”

Mcginn’s unusual ‘Meatball’ nickname was acquired following a drastic haircut as a teenager.

Longwell, who now coaches at Shrewsbury after working in the MLS, added: “A lot of guys would take offence to that but he thought it was funny. He went for the skinhead look, which he admits didn’t suit him.”