McGinn moving to steady beat
IF a footballer told you he was going to be playing under the bright lights of Somerset Park one week, and then Wembley the next, he would probably be best advised to seek immediate professional help.
But that’s the path which awaits John McGinn, as the Hibernian midfielder continues to underline his credentials as one of the most gifted young players this country has to offer.
McGinn was the heartbeat of the Hibs midfield as they defeated ayr United on Saturday to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the championship.
It was a snarling performance from the 22-year-old, full of dynamic running with the ball, swatting aside anyone who dared try to dispossess him. He capped it off with a spectacular long-range strike for Hibs’ third goal.
Whether his display was good enough to command a starting role in Gordon Strachan’s team against England on Friday remains to be seen. But his current form, coupled with the injury to Scott Brown, will have done his chances no harm whatsoever.
His club boss neil lennon confirmed afterwards that McGinn will fly back from Wembley early next Saturday morning to take part in the league match against Falkirk, meaning the player could conceivably play twice in less than 24 hours.
Martin Boyle, who continued his own purple patch with two goals in ayrshire and a second man-of-the-match performance in as many weeks, offered a resounding endorsement of his team-mate.
‘I know I’m biased but, if I was Scotland manager, I would start him,’ said Boyle. ‘I play with him every week and I see what he brings to a team.
‘His work rate and his power in the middle of midfield is brilliant. He’s also capable of popping up with a goal, as we saw in this match.
‘I watched him make his debut in the friendly (against denmark) a few months ago — and he was man of the match. ‘It is a great achievement for him to be involved with Scotland and there’s no way it’ll go to his head because he’s not that type of lad. ‘It’s only Wembley… only 90,000 people watching you! He’s a total professional and will handle himself really well on what will be a huge occasion.’ With top-scorer Jason cummings dropped to the bench for the third consecutive game, Boyle added: ‘I was joking with Jason at half-time. I told him I’m going to catch him in the goal charts. He’s still our top scorer but I really want to push on and get a few more.
‘I don’t have a specific number in my head of how many I want to score by the end of the season, just as long as it’s one more than Jason!’
Boyle’s pace tore ayr to shreds and was key to the opening goal. lewis Stevenson dinked a pass over the top of the home defence and Boyle went haring after it.
cutting back inside, he shot through a ruck of bodies and the ball nestled into Greg Fleming’s bottom left-hand corner.
Hibs were dominant, though it took them until the 77th minute to score a second. McGinn found Boyle with a cute reverse pass and he drilled the ball low through Fleming’s legs from just inside the penalty area.
McGinn’s goal added some gloss to the scoreline in the 84th minute. Fraser Fyvie laid the ball off from a free-kick and McGinn absolutely blootered it left-footed into the top corner from 35 yards.
It was an outrageous strike. let’s hope Strachan managed to see it.