John McGinn on Scotland’s World Cup quest: ‘The excitement’s there’

Even when inundated with kilted boys and girls, McGinn scarcely lets any annoyance be shown.

For at heart it is clear he remains as chuffed as anyone to be kicking about in Scotland kit. Even if it blows his cover at Tivoli Gardens.

That passion and relatability, along with his high-standard play, has made him a darling of the Tartan Army.

He, like them, has “the dream of being on that plane [to North America] and making history” and he revealed the players do talk of next summer’s tournament.

“Sometimes in little groups…” he explained. “You won’t speak about it too much in big groups.

“We’ve had the experience of going to major tournaments but I think going to a World Cup would eclipse that.

“The excitement’s there. Everyone wants to achieve their own personal dreams and we can only achieve that by being together and being stronger.”

For the first time in three decades, this is a Scotland squad who have major tournament experience.

Many of Clarke’s key men who qualified for Euro 2020 and/or 2024 are still pulling on the jersey, while those who have yet to have a taste are champing at the bit.

From Ben Gannon-Doak to Lennon Miller, and lately Kieron Bowie, the calls for youngsters to transition into first-team regulars have been growing from the stands – and McGinn is sure they are ready, should the nod come.

“The young boys are a lot different to when I was coming into the squad,” McGinn added.

“They’re not as nervous anymore. Football has changed and the boys are a lot more comfortable coming into the environment, which is good.

“They all bring their own humour, characteristics and ability to the group – they’re getting better and better and every time they come away you can see the improvement.

“That can only benefit us because we’re getting older and in the next few years those guys are going to have to take up the mantle and try and knock us off our perch.”

Friday’s performance showed there is still life in the auld dog yet, so McGinn will take some shifting.