McGinn may have to change his ways to suit foreign refs
John McGinn admits he needs to play a little smarter to be a real success with the Scotland team.
The Hibs midfielder was probably speaking for several of the players in Alex McLeish’s squad who lack experience of international level.
McGinn is now a top performer in the SPFL Premiership and there’s no doubt he’s ready to play for his country.
Energy and physical presence are two of the qualities that have won him many admirers.
Scotland want to take advantage of his strengths, but it’s important he doesn’t fall foul of referees or give the opposition a chance to win free-kicks.
That happened when he came on as a substitute against Costa Rica at Hampden on Friday night.
German referee Tobias Stieler was quick to penalise him for some trademark challenges.
The 23-year-old says he looks at the game as another valuable lesson along his football journey.
He said: “The manager did mention to me at the end that I might have to watch my style.
“But James McFadden said to me as I went on just to go and play the way I do and try to not change.
“Obviously, I might have to tailor it a little bit. I don’t think they have backsides like mine in Germany!
“A couple were not fouls, I was just trying to get in their faces and get a bit of urgency, but that’s international football.
“In Scottish football, refs sometimes let that ride. It’s something I need to learn from.
“Opponents know how to get the fouls and it’s gone against me.
“I will know better for the game against Hungary on Tuesday and the games coming up.”
McGinn talks with passion about the desire to bring Scotland some success.
He went on: “I can’t remember the last time we were at a tournament – I was too young.
“We know how much it means to the supporters.
“As footballers you pride yourself on being successful and you don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as previous campaigns.
“We tried something different on Friday and he might try something different again on Tuesday.
“I think everyone will agree that it doesn’t matter how we get to an international tournament. We are going to do whatever it takes.”
It’s a time when patience – which has been wearing thin in recent times – is needed while Alex McLeish experiments.
McGinn would love to play in every match for his country but accepts that’s unlikely to happen at the moment.
He said: “I am just champing at the bit and waiting for the manager to select me and I think everyone else is the same.
“The main thing you have to do is play well for your club and I feel as if I am playing the best football of my career.
“Hopefully on Tuesday I’ll get a longer run out.
“There are a lot of people the manager needs to see and a lot of midfielders.”
The McGinns are a great footballing family.
John’ s brothers Paul and Stephen are both professionals, while Grandad Jack is a former Celtic chairman and S FA president.
There’s even a Hungarian connection to the family, but one John won’t see on Tuesday.
He said: “My uncle has moved over there. He’s in Sopron, it’s too far to get to the game.
“I think he’ll take a 2- 2 draw right now!”