Aston Villa: John McGinn stuns in ‘absolutely outstanding’ Scotland display while out of position
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton was blown away by John McGinn’s performance when Scotland came from behind to beat Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Saturday.
Erling Haaland’s 61st-minute penalty looked to be the winning goal for Norway before Lyndon Dykes and Kenny McLean scored in the 87th and 89th minutes respectively to secure a 2-1 win for Steve Clarke’s side.
After that win over Norway, the Scots overcame difficult conditions at Hampden Park to beat Georgia, meaning they’re top of their European Championships qualifying group with four wins in four games.
McGinn, 28, played a starring role for the Tartan Army in Scandinavia, even featuring up front for Clarke’s side.
Former Aston Villa and Scotland star Hutton was mightily impressed by the midfielder.
Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said: “Overall, it was a really good display.
“If you look at the start of the game against Norway, the plan was to be sound, to frustrate them and tactically be on point.
“McGinn had a job to do. What I liked the most was that even when Haaland scored after 61 minutes, Steve Clarke didn’t panic and he stuck to the game plan.
“When their forward-thinking players came off, he went 4-4-1-1 and put John up front and two goals.
“McGinn was involved in both so that’s what he gives.
“It’s not just his energy in the middle of the park but when he moves further forward, he gives you a lot more and again, he showed that.
“He’s been absolutely outstanding in a Scotland shirt and an Aston Villa shirt.”
McGinn played 34 times in the Premier League for Aston Villa last season, scoring one goal and supplying three assists.
He’s also started all of Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifiers so far, scoring in their 3-0 win over Cyprus in March.
In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.