Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn's return ‘a bright spot for Scotland’
Scotland coach Steven Reid reckons Villa midfielder John McGinn’s return to fitness will at least provide a positive from the coronavirus shutdown.
McGinn was nearing a return after more than two months out with a fractured ankle when the season was suspended.
And while he will now be available for the completion of Villa’s campaign, he will also be able to feature for Scotland when they face Israel in a Euro 2021 qualifier.
The 25-year-old would have been a serious doubt had the match taken place on its original date.
But the pandemic has seen the European Championships pushed back by a year and Scotland now won’t face Israel until later in the year.
Former Albion defender Reid, who is part of Steve Clarke’s backroom team, said: “It’s a massive positive the injury to John McGinn (will have cleared up).
“When we do finally get to play this game against Israel - whenever that might be - he is going to be back fit, you would like to think.
“A couple of months ago it was looking like it’d be touch-and-go as to whether he would be fit for that game.”
McGinn has been a regular starter for Scotland since ex-Baggies boss Clarke took charge in May last year.
The Villa ace has scored seven goals in his last six international appearances, including a hat-trick against San Marino.
Reid added: “John has probably been one of our star performers since we have been involved in the management of the team.
“His goalscoring and his attitude has just been spot on. He typifies the type of player you want in your international set-up.
“He loves being there, runs his socks off and leads by example. That is the type of player and the type of group that you want at international level.”
