Paul gives an update on his injured brother
Aston Villa midfielder John Mcginn is aiming to return to Scotland duty for the March play-offs, according to his brother, Paul.
Steve Clarke’s side host Israel on March 26 before then potentially playing either Norway or Serbia five days later.
Mcginn sustained an ankle fracture in a 3-1 defeat against Southampton last weekend when his studs seemed to catch in the turf.
The expectancy is that he faces at least three months on the sidelines, but St Mirren defender Paul has revealed that the industrious midfielder has set himself the target of getting back for the play-offs.
“He is a bit down,” revealed Mcginn senior.
“It was a bad way to end a brilliant year for him, but he has that Scotland game in his head and he is going to do all he can to get back for it.
“I don’t think Villa will let him rush it. “He was back home on Christmas Eve night, and then away at 11am the next morning, so I don’t know if it was worth it.
“But at least he got home for a wee bit.
Meanwhile, Mcginn is optimistic that St Mirren can finish their year on a positive note as they head to Rugby Park this afternoon.
Jim Goodwin’s side are currently third from bottom and Mcginn is determined to steer the club away from the play-off zone.
“We have actually played all right for most games and we should definitely have more points than we have,” he said.
“This time last year, we were cannon fodder. So it is a better position to be in, but we would rather be a bit higher up.
“Until of late, the home form has been better but we are hoping that when we get bodies back, that will help us.
“It is not ideal that Ryan Flynn is playing right-back and I am playing centre-half.
“But that is just the way it goes when you don’t have a mega budget. You all have to chip in.
“You look around you and see that Kilmarnock are struggling at centrehalf, too, so you can’t moan about it.
“It is good that we have the break.”