Former Hibs and current Aston Villa hero John McGinn believes Premier League experience will aid Steve Clarke’s new-look Scotland setup.
The former Kilmarnock boss will take charge of his first Scotland game on Saturday when Cyprus visit Hampden Park.
Clarke’s first test is Saturday. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
McGinn believes having so many Premier League or Premier League-bound players in the side will only help Clarke succeed as national team boss.
Speaking to the Scotsman, The former Hibee said: “There are a few of us now playing in the Premier League – myself, John Fleck and Kenny McLean all got promoted this season and we also have Andy Robertson and Ryan Fraser.
“It’s looking positive for the country. Hopefully, we can deliver the way Villa did against Derby. I really believe Scotland has a talented bunch of players and Steve will have his own ideas to get the best out of us.”
McGinn and the Premier League boys can help those around them
Having top players like McGinn will massively aid Clarke. He was able to get the best out of bang average players at Killie, turning them into reliable options. Imagine what he could with the likes of McGinn and Champions League winner Andy Robertson.
Robertson’s Liverpool spell is good for others in the squad. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Another positive of Premier League experience is that it will rub off on the players around them.
For the likes of Marc McNulty and Liam Kelly, they’ve never played at the level some of their Scotland peers have. Through training with them over the international fixtures, they can learn from the Premier League members of the squad, becoming better players in the process.
Scotland have EPL experience in nearly every department. In defence you have Robertson and midfield is brimming with it. Scott McTominay and Tom Cairney are two great players who have the knowledge of playing against the world’s best.
Players like McTominay should be central to Clarke’s plans. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Having a man who Bournemouth, according to the Independent, reportedly value at £30 million and who is wanted by Arsenal is decent too. It’s only really up front where the squad has none of this experience.
Clarke certainly has a strong pool of players to pick from. His starting XI will have plenty of faces who’ve tasted or will taste the EPL lifestyle.
This will help Scotland massively in the quest for a Euro 2020 spot.