He netted his first goal for Scotland on Friday, but that can’t hide the disappointment John McGinn feels in the wake of another Scotland defeat.
The Aston Villa midfielder netted his first goal for his country against Russia. Steve Clarke’s side quickly collapsed after that, with Artem Dyzuba and a Stephen O’Donnell own goal gifting the World Cup quarter-finalists an easy win.
Whilst he is happy to be off the mark for his country, McGinn is ultimately disappointed about how the night panned out.
He told Sky Sports, as quoted by the BBC: “It was obviously a fantastic feeling to score. It’s something that has been bugging me.
“I’ve been getting on the score sheet at club level and it’s something I was really keen to do but if I could swap it now for the three points I would do it every day of the week.”
McGinn took his Scotland goal well
It was handed to him on a plate, but McGinn still did well to convert his first Scotland strike.
Pouncing on Guilherme Marinato’s spill in the Russian net, the ex-Hibs and St Mirren man was quick to follow it up and guided his effort into the net.
The goal wasn’t enough and now Scotland’s chances of qualification for Euro 2020 via the groups are effectively over. They trail second place Russia by six points, with a match against Belgium to come on Monday.
Russian victory ended Scotland’s run of nine competitive home games without a loss. It also marks the first time they have lost a home tie after taking the lead since 2013, when Scotland fell to Wales 2-1 (BBC).
McGinn himself wasn’t too bad against Russia. He pressed and harried the midfield, but Clarke’s defensive plan didn’t play to his strengths in the engine room or going forward. He was hooked after the hour mark.
It was a disappointing night for Scotland overall but McGinn can pleased with his first international goal.