Fit-again McGinn was ‘petrified’ he would miss World Cup

John McGinn marks a decade as a Scotland international, having earned his 84th cap exactly 10 years ago. However, the midfielder faced a critical moment earlier this year when he feared missing out on the biggest opportunity of his career—Scotland’s return to the World Cup finals after a 28-year absence. At 31, McGinn required career-defining surgery following a knee injury sustained during Aston Villa’s match against Everton, yet he rebounded faster than anticipated, revitalizing his club’s push for Champions League qualification.

Scotland to ring changes for Ivory Coast friendly

McGinn shared his thoughts with BBC Scotland ahead of Tuesday’s warm-up friendly against Ivory Coast in Liverpool. His recovery not only bolstered Villa’s performance but also ensured his role in Steve Clarke’s national team as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in the Americas. Speaking about the injury, he recalled the panic of leaving the pitch in mid-January: “I was scared. Right away, I felt something wasn’t right. It was just 10, 15 minutes into the game when I blocked a pass against Everton and knew I’d been hurt. I’ve seen players with serious knee injuries take months to recover, but I was petrified I’d miss the World Cup.”

“The knee reacts differently to surgery, but it could have been a lot worse. I thought I might manage without it, but the swelling and fluid buildup made it clear I needed the operation. As you get older, you have to be careful with your body. I’m 31 now, so doing anything reckless would be crazy.”

McGinn’s return coincided with a turnaround for Villa, who won three out of four matches since his comeback. While title hopes are dashed with Arsenal leading by 16 points, the club remains in a tight race with Manchester United and Liverpool. The midfielder also highlighted the Europa League quarter-final against Bologna as a key challenge. “We almost made it to the Champions League last season, but a controversial decision at Old Trafford cost us. That hurt, and now we’re using that pain to fuel our drive,” he said.

McGinn emphasized the shared resilience between Villa and Scotland, noting the pride in helping both teams reclaim a position they hadn’t occupied in years. He drew a contrast between the pressure of past campaigns and the current era: “There’s still room for improvement, but we’re a small nation fighting against larger ones. We don’t have the same resources, but we have grit and determination. Last season, our focus was on finishing first in the group and creating history. We did that.”

BBC Scottish Football Podcast with John McGinn

McGinn’s international journey began in 2016, when Gordon Strachan handed him his debut in a 1-0 friendly win over Denmark. “It feels like a long time ago, but the evolution of our group has been incredible,” he reflected. The midfielder also praised the depth of experience in the national squad, citing players like Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, and Ryan Christie as vital to their success. “Having a strong team in the dressing room helps both club and country. It’s a huge credit to everyone involved,” he added.