You can’t beat lining up for Scotland with your brother
AS HE PREPARES TO WIN HIS 50TH CAP, JOHN McGINN IS IN NO DOUBT OVER HIS BEST MOMENT IN DARK BLUE
JOHN McGINN may describe his imminent 50th cap for Scotland as a ‘pinch-me’ moment, but he dreams of being able to do it all over again.
Tomorrow’s Nations League meeting with the Republic of Ireland should bring up the halfcentury. From his debut against Denmark in 2016, McGinn will have taken six years to gain a place on the SFA’s International Roll of Honour.
Continuing at the same rate would take him to 100 caps around the age of 33. In the lengthy history of the Scotland men’s national team, only Kenny Dalglish — with 102 — has ever made it into triple figures.
‘It’s certainly in the back of my head,’ admitted the Aston Villa midfielder, when asked about achieving a century. ‘Whether it’s possible or not, I’m not sure.
‘But we’ve got our eyes on Euro 2024 and getting there would be a huge help. Hopefully, we do three friendlies instead of two…
‘Whenever called upon, I’m always there. If there is a squad get-together, I love coming and I love being available.
‘I’d much rather try and get to another two major tournaments before my legs go away from me.
‘I will be able to be called upon until I stop getting chosen and if that means 100 caps, or if it means 70 or 80, I’m proud no matter what.’
However many more great nights in dark blue lie ahead for McGinn, one will remain unbeaten.
It’s not when Scotland qualified for Euro 2020 in Belgrade. Nor does it relate to any of the 14 goals scored in his 49 caps to date, the most recent of which helped Steve Clarke’s side swamp Ukraine on Wednesday night.
Instead, you have to look back 12 months to Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium and the final 13 minutes of a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Austria.
This was a family affair. When elder brother Paul was introduced from the bench, a unique, emotional memory was created.
‘Is there a highlight from my 49 caps? I have one clear one and it’s the Austria game away when Paul came on,’ smiled McGinn. ‘No matter how many caps I will be able to get, no matter how many goals I score, playing for your country with your brother is something that is unrivalled.
‘He might mention that, as well. He was brilliant that night, but we knew it might be the only opportunity for that to happen.
‘Qualifying for the Euros is up there, but if I had to choose a moment that stands out, it would be playing with Paul.’
It’s the kind of authentic answer that makes McGinn so relatable to supporters. Not since James McFadden have the Tartan Army taken a player to their hearts with such feeling. Again, on Wednesday night, Hampden echoed to the sound of ‘Super John McGinn’.
‘It helps when you score most of the goals,’ laughed McGinn.
‘It makes me feel ten feet tall, and as someone who experienced many, many nights watching Scotland, you always dreamed about the fans singing your name.
‘It doesn’t get boring, and hopefully I’ve still got another 50 to come with them singing my name.
‘I feel as if I’ve got a lot more to offer, I’m still fit, I still feel strong, and I’ve got more to come.’
But what’s it like being the talisman for a footballing nation?
‘It’s good when it’s good, but it’s bad when it’s bad,’ replied McGinn. ‘There’s a bit of responsibility and pressure. There’s been times where I’ve missed big chances or missed opportunities and the team have looked and thought: “Right, come on John, give us a goal”.
‘But it just makes nights like Wednesday even sweeter, and I’m more than happy to take that bit of responsibility on and try to provide for the team, whether that’s assists or goals or even just a bit of energy and work rate.’
Growing up in the St Mirren academy, McGinn felt one cap would be enough to satisfy. But then his first taste of international action created a desire for more.
Promoted from the Under-21s by Gordon Strachan, McGinn — then with Hibs — played all 90 minutes of a 1-0 friendly win over the Danes at Hampden.
‘That night was surreal,’ he confessed. ‘Growing up a Celtic fan, playing alongside Broony (Scott Brown) was just invaluable for me.
‘I remember for the first time in my career I was really, really nervous about playing. Because I thought if I didn’t play well, it might be my last-ever game — not in football but for Scotland!
‘Certainly, that game made me feel hungry for more. I remember the feeling walking off the pitch, waving to my family. I thought: “Right, this is a bit of me”.
‘Thankfully from then, I managed to become a mainstay in the squad. The feeling has never changed, whether it’s cap one or hopefully cap 50 on Saturday. It’s always a proud moment looking up and seeing the family there.’
McGinn chuckled as he recalled his acclimatisation to the senior Scotland set-up. The first training is still imprinted on his mind.
I’m still fit, I still feel strong, I’ve got more to come
‘I felt out of place, to be honest, but the boys were first class with me,’ he said. ‘It was with the group of boys who didn’t play against the Czech Republic and it was smallsided games. Shaun Maloney turned me inside out. He nearly ruined my whole career, I didn’t think I would play!
‘It was about adapting, getting used to the level. There was no settling period because the manager showed great faith, putting me straight in.
‘Kieran Tierney and I managed to do all right that night and became mainstays in the squad.
‘I’ve got so much to thank Gordon Strachan for. The criticism he got when he put me in the squad, I’ll never forget it. But he told me to be myself and that I was in it for a reason and from that point I’ve gone from strength to strength.’
From nervous beginnings, McGinn is now a senior figure who offers guidance to newcomers. With Andy Robertson injured, he will again wear the captain’s armband when Ireland visit.
‘Those experiences have helped me,’ he added. ‘We’ve got so many leaders in there now. Experienced boys and players who come away and are happy to be there.
‘Thankfully I’m one who the boys — I think — look up to. I’m starting to feel a bit more comfortable with them doing it rather than being awkward and being the joker. I try not to change too much but I’m certainly feeling more comfortable in that scenario.
‘It’s obviously an extremely privileged position to captain your country whenever you get the opportunity. I’m happy to stand in for Robbo whenever he’s not here.’
McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador John McGinn was speaking at one of 20 new locations opening this Autumn. Fun Football is the UK’s largest free grassroots football participation programme and will give one million children access to coaching over the next four years. Sign up to attend a session near you at mcdonalds.co.uk/football