Aston Villa star makes 'pretty rubbish' claim after Scotland seal World Cup place in dramatic fashion

Tuesday’s thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark secured top spot in Group C and the Tartan Army’s place at their first World Cup finals since 1998, with Villa skipper McGinn claiming he experienced emotions like no other in his career. 

Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean both scored in stoppage time at Hampden Park, the latter from the halfway line, as a Scotland team who have fallen agonisingly short in the past got over the line in stunning style.

McGinn, who earned his 82nd cap, admitted the all-round performance left much to be desired but mattered little.  

"I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?" he said. 

“I thought Denmark, even with 10 men, moved the ball a bit better and more assured.

“But we’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team, a lot of hits. To get over the line was such an amazing feeling.” 

Scotland made a blistering start when Scott McTominay put them ahead with a brilliant overhead kick inside three minutes.

But they were twice pegged back, the second occasion after Denmark had been reduced to 10-men when Rasmus Kristensen was shown a second yellow card for pulling down McGinn.

That put the visitors on course for the finals before Tierney and McLean produced magic in stoppage time.

"You think that's it - glorious failure, another blow,” said McGinn. “I was thinking about the play-offs in the 91st minute. But then what a hit from KT - I will never feel like that on a football park ever again.

“The gaffer's team talk was exceptional in the hotel before leaving for the game.

"It's a privilege every time we meet up. It's just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. You can see it on the pitch. We left everything out there.”