‘Constant buzz of energy’ - Aston Villa ace earns mixed reviews after ‘head-scratcher’ team performance
Scotland beat Belarus but the manner of the team’s performance was met with criticism from supporters
John McGinn’s Scotland are edging closer to a first World Cup appearance since 1998 but fans left the international break frustrated with the manner of the team’s performance despite their victory over Belarus.
After a snatch and grab 3-1 win over Greece in midweek, fans were expecting Clarke’s side to take the handbrake off and really hit home the goals trail against a nation ranked 100th in the world, but the manner of their 2-1 victory was anything but convincing as Scotland retreated into their shell, set up negatively and often squandered possession in an evening where very few performed to their top potential.
"I'm really disappointed - really, really disappointed,” said a disgruntled Steve Clarke when reflecting on his team’s performance.
"It's possibly as disappointed as I've been over the whole 72 games. We just didn't turn up,” added the former West Brom boss.
"But before I go down that route, and you start asking me questions about why I'm feeling like that, it's also to point out that performances don't get you qualification. And tonight was certainly not a performance.
"But we got three points and that's six points from the double-header so we're really pleased about that, as everyone with a Scottish connection will be.But the performance was way below par.”
John McGinn earns mixed review in subdued Scotland performance
Scotland failed to command the game against Belarus but nevertheless emerged victorious, with John McGinn earning a steady review for his workrate. The Scotsman gave McGinn a rating of 6/10, and when reviewing the Villa star’s display said: “One of Scotland's more accomplished midfielders, he was asked once again to play out wide. A lot of what he tried never came off, but he never stopped working. Had a right-footed strike well saved by Belarus keeper Lapoukhov. Moves on to 81 caps for his country. “
Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Evening News opted to give the former Hibs man a bit more credit, with a rating of 7/10.
Writer Lewis Anderson explained: “81st cap which moved him into joint fifth in the all-time appearances list. A constant buzz of energy. Stung the palms of Lapoukhov after 54 mins.”
Mail Sport, however, didn’t share this verdict and perhaps harshest of all, gave the Villa star a 5.5 rating. They explained: “Playing out on the left, he didn’t exert his usual influence. Had a crisp, right-foot shot parried by the goalkeeper.”
Scotland are guaranteed a top two finish after this international break, and could still clinch top spot if they can beat Greece and Denmark in the next round of fixtures.
John McGinn admits he saw a different side to Steve Clarke in difficult evening for Scotland
John McGinn told Sky Sports that he saw a ‘wild’ side to Steve Clarke during his side’s underwhelming victory over Belarus but also took the opportunity to praise the national team boss for reaching a record-breaking 72-game milestone of matches in charge.
McGinn said: "At half-time, and deservedly so, was the wildest I've seen him in 72 games. But he's been brilliant not just for me, but for the country and the group.I think he has a lot of games left in him yet. A huge milestone but he's rightly angry. But he has again got us in a great position in a qualifying group. That can't be forgotten."
The Villa midfielder added that everyone in the Scotland dressing room took the opportunity to applaud Clarke for the achievement after the game but adds that his move only improved slightly at the full time whistle.
McGinn is under no illusion that there’s work to be done, adding: "Was it a wee bit better in the second half? Probably not. We're not naïve enough to think that. But what we did do is get over the line. We know exactly what we need to do next month, two wins and we're there."