Midfielder McGinn is a scoring talisman

MUCH like his scoring ability on the pitch, John McGinn just couldn’t help himself. On the eve of a new qualifying campaign and with the chance to edge to even greater levels as a Scotland player, he made sure the competition had been sussed out.

It was, eventually, a simple finish as the Aston Villa midfielder converted Andy Robertson’s deflected cross in the first half to put Steve Clarke’s men ahead against Cyprus.

He was made to wait by VAR — these days, of course he was — but his 16th goal in a dark-blue jersey was confirmed and the celebrations began.

McGinn’s effort yesterday moved him above James McFadden in the Scotland scoring charts into seventh position. He now lies behind Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Hughie Gallacher, Lawrie Reilly, Ally McCoist and Kenny Miller. Earning his 53rd cap yesterday, his goal return is quite remarkable and he remains one of Clarke’s go-to guys.

Sure, the overall performance from the team against the side ranked 110 in the world wasn’t exactly spectacular. On a slippery and tricky pitch, standards will need to be raised, particularly with top seeds Spain next up at the national stadium on Tuesday as the mission to reach the finals in Germany continues. This was Scotland’s first winning start to a Euro qualifying campaign since 2006.

Nevertheless, McGinn seems to come alive when he represents his country and remains proud to have made such a significant impact.

‘I am aware of it (the scoring list) but I can’t get distracted by it,’ said the 28-year-old. ‘The focus is to try get us to Germany but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have aspirations and dreams of getting as high up the ladder as possible.

‘I am just happy to contribute and help the team but in a selfish way I am also happy to get that 16th goal. I was aware that I have overtaken James McFadden now — I have checked the list before!

‘It’s good and a bit surreal, especially as it took me 15 caps to get my first goal. But it’s good to help the team and the main thing is we get to the Euros.’

With Scotland ahead thanks to McGinn’s effort, the second half failed to spark significantly. The hosts looked in control, but there was always a worry that one mistake on a wet surface could spell disaster and allow Cyprus a way back into the game.

Having previously stepped in as captain when Robertson has been absent, there is no doubt that McGinn is a strong leader among the group.

A win is a win — but the midfielder knows Scotland’s levels must rise with far trickier tests to follow in Group A, with Norway and Georgia also in the section.

‘I am delighted to get on the scoresheet again but I just wanted anyone to break the deadlock,’ he said. ‘These games can be difficult if you take too long to get the first goal.

‘It was good get to the early goal but after that we didn’t really build on it, which was frustrating. We need to be honest, if we want to get to the Euros we need to improve.

‘If we want to move to the next level, we need to be better and we felt that walking off. We need to be brighter, we were a bit flat. I am being a bit picky as we won 3-0, but it was one of those days where it could have been 1-1. Maybe I am being harsh on us.

‘There is plenty to improve on but we have ended the hoodoo from the last few campaigns and started off with a win.

‘As much as we know we can improve on the performance, that’s a big three points.

‘We are getting greedy — we want the performance and the result, but the main thing is the win.’

The Hampden pitch has attracted criticism in recent times, including during last month’s League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, and former Scotland defender Willie Miller labelled it ‘a problem’ yesterday.

Debut goalkeeper Angus Gunn had a momentary slip and he was not alone in trying to steady himself on the surface.

‘If we have any excuse it was the pitch — it was really tough to play on,’ noted McGinn. ‘I remember watching Celtic v Rangers a few weeks ago and it looked the same.

‘It was tough to play on for both teams and it might not suit Spain. Hopefully they water it before.

‘It was just tough underfoot and slippery. A lot of the players were falling about, even big Angus. It was difficult to play our stuff but thankfully we clicked late on and got another two goals.’

McGinn was happy for Gunn as the former England Under-21 keeper kept a clean sheet on his debut following his switch of allegiance to Scotland.

‘I am delighted for Angus,’ added McGinn. ‘It was a good clean sheet for him, although he needs to work on his accent a bit!

‘It was a calm performance and his kicking was excellent. Hopefully he can get another clean sheet on Tuesday.

‘We will give it a go against Spain and we are confident. They won’t want to play us in the vein of form we are in. We will make it difficult for them, we will have our chances and we just need to take them.’