McGinn’s Euro 2020 boost for Clarke
Scots’ key midfielder will be back for Villa ahead of Israel clash
Scotland’s bid to qualify for Euro 2020 has been given a huge boost with the news that talisman John McGinn is expected to return to action in time to face Israel in next month’s play-off semi-final.
McGinn has been earmarked to take part in aston Villa’s vital Premier league match against newcastle on March 21 — five days before scotland host Israel at Hampden.
McGinn, who has scored seven goals in his last six outings for steve clarke’s side, has been out of action since before christmas after damaging his ankle in a 3-1 home defeat by southampton.
the 25-year-old is thought to be making good progress with his recovery — although a comeback in time for the carabao cup final against Manchester city on March 1 appears unlikely.
clarke has received a further boost with Manchester United midfielder scott Mctominay poised to return to full training this week after recovering from a knee injury.
Mctominay (right), 23, has been sidelined since his club’s Boxing day victory over newcastle United.
It was initially feared he would struggle to be fit for the Hampden clash with Israel but the old trafford star is back running and hopes to return to full training sessions later this week during United’s winter training camp in Marbella. Mctominay said: ‘It has been going well. I want to be taking some part in the sessions towards the end of the week. ‘We will just see where we go from there. so we are just going to do whatever we can to make sure I am back on the pitch as soon as possible. ‘I am feeling good, I am feeling fit. I have always had that drive and ambition to keep on top of my fitness and look after my body, because it is the most important thing at the end of the day.’ clarke’s men face Israel at Hampden on March 26, with the winner taking on either norway or serbia away in a one-off play-off final five days later for a place at this summer’s European championships. United’s form has fluctuated since Mctominay’s injury, ole Gunnar solskjaer’s side winning five matches from 11 outings, and the scot admits it has been difficult having to watch on from the sidelines. speaking to MUtV, he added: ‘obviously, it is never nice watching football matches when you have been playing, you want to be involved and you want to be helping the team as well.
‘It is difficult, you know, but you have to find your way through it mentally more than physically sometimes. It is challenging, obviously, from my first proper injury.
‘You need to have all of the right people around you, which I do, and that has been massively beneficial towards my recovery.’