McGinn in doubt for Scots’ Euro 2020 bid

INJURY: Broken ankle likely to put midfielder out for about three months

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is out for around the next three months after fracturing an ankle.

The Scotland internationalist – a key man in the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign – was forced off after eight minutes of Saturday’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at home to Southampton.

In attempting a challenge McGinn’s left foot became stuck in the Villa Park turf, leading to the fracture.

Boss Dean Smith said: “He’s on crutches.

“Obviously he’s very disappointed, he’s got an ankle fracture.

“He’s a strong character, though. He’ll come back a stronger person for it, and a better player.

“For us, it’s a big loss because he’s a key player with the energy, drive, qualities and enthusiasm he has.

“He will be sorely missed but it gives opportunities to others as well now. “We wish him a speedy recovery.” Asked how long McGinn would be sidelined for, Smith replied: “I don’t know. Hopefully as soon as possible. If I was going to guess, I’d say three months.”

That timescale would make McGinn a major doubt for Scotland’s play-off games for a place at Euro 2020.

Steve Clarke’s side face Israel in the play-offs semi-final at Hampden on March 26 and will then take on the winners of the Norway v Serbia semi five days later if they progress, with a place at the finals at stake.

McGinn scored seven goals in the group stages of the qualifying campaign.

National head coach Clarke said: “I feel for John because he’s in such a rich vein of form for club and country, and obviously all of us at the Scotland team wish him a speedy recovery.

“The most important thing right now is that he follows the club’s rehabilitation programme, and we will see how he is come the end of March.”

Smith has not ruled out the prospect of finding cover in the January transfer window for the Scotland international.

“It probably changes your stance a little bit in the market in terms of what you’re looking at,” assessed Smith.

“We’re all aware, in losing John, how it affects the team.

“While it gives the other lads opportunities, we’re also looking out there to see what we can improve for the football club as well.”

I feel for John because he’s in such a rich vein of form for club and country. STEVE CLARKE

Picture: PA. John McGinn is helped off after breaking an ankle at Villa Park on Saturday.