McGinn's brace moves him to joint-third in Scotland scoring charts as Robertson equals Dalglish cap record

John McGinn moved to joint-third on Scotland’s all-time scoring list with a brace in their 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over North Macedonia at Hampden Park on Friday, as captain Andy Robertson equalled Kenny Dalglish’s record of 102 Scotland caps.

The Aston Villa midfielder opened the scoring in the 54th minute, only for Elmin Rastoder to level for the visitors three minutes later. McGinn then stepped up to convert a penalty in the 73rd minute, sealing the win for head coach Sebastien Pocognoli — his first home victory in charge — and taking his international tally to 24 goals, drawing level with Hughie Gallacher in third place.

McGinn is now six goals behind the joint-record holders Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law, and he admitted the milestone is beginning to occupy his thoughts. “I’ll have a wee look at it,” he said. “It’s been something that’s been in the back of my head, but obviously the results haven’t been the way we’ve wanted. The team come first, but if I start climbing that table, it means we’ve been successful as a team.”

The 32-year-old also acknowledged a recent lean spell in front of goal. “It’s been a bit of a dry patch for me over the past year or two on the goal front, so I’m delighted to get back on that trail and hopefully the same again Monday.” Scotland face Switzerland away in their final Group B1 fixture on Monday night.

McGinn was relaxed about the prospect of age becoming a factor in his record pursuit. “I’m still 32. These days, I’m blessed with everything that can possibly come your way — nutrition, recovery. I’m spoiled at Aston Villa. I’ve been fortunate in my career to avoid some of the serious injuries that players have experienced. I’m just as hungry as I was when I was 22.”

Robertson’s landmark appearance drew equal attention on the night. The left-back drew level with Dalglish as Scotland’s most-capped player and is expected to take the record outright against Switzerland on Monday.