{
  "id": 11632963,
  "title": "Too quiet for too long, can McGinn recapture best for Scotland?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/too-quiet-for-too-long-can-mcginn-recapture-best-for-scotland",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T07:05:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c5398kvl77xno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Skopje, the devout followers of Mother Teresa, the city's most sacred daughter, and the Scots arriving, carrying their cherished son, Saint John McGinn, are hard to distinguish. Faith in the blessed Mother Teresa is absolute, just as it is with Mother Teresa. Pointing out that McGinn's talismanic excellence has been on the wane in international football for a while now can be met with harsh criticism. This weekend, Andy Robertson wins his 100th cap, but McGinn won't be far behind. After Saturday night, he'll be on 92 appearances, third on the all-time list, and fifth in the all-time scoring chart, just one goal behind the immortal Lawrie Reilly.\n\nMcGinn is compelling when talking about his form, confidence, and status as the team's inspiration. He acknowledges the weight of responsibility and pressure that comes with his age and the competition with Scotland and Aston Villa. Despite the praise, any criticism is just part of the game.\n\nMcGinn's influence for Scotland has probably reduced from the mighty highs before. While the pride and passion, work-rate, and game-defining moments haven't disappeared, the recent performances haven't been up to par. Fans chant his name in good and bad times, looking to him as their hero in both scenarios.\n\nBeing McGinn, he could dominate and score in Skopje, but a reminder of his talent is overdue. He mentioned that he is certainly not undroppable, as Steve Clarke benching him had no issue for him. He encourages competition within the squad, emphasizing that the best players will play for Scotland.\n\nThe key to Scotland's success over the years is that it doesn't matter which club players represent, as the best team wins. If McGinn isn't in the team, he'd be the biggest Scotland supporter on the bench. His history and iconic status with St Mirren, Hibs, and Aston Villa have made him a legend. Fans have a deep appreciation for his contributions to the club, considering him the best captain since Dennis Mortimer, who led the 1981 and 1982 European Cup-winning sides.",
  "summary": "Fifth in the all-time scoring chart for Scotland and closing in on 100 caps, John McGinn could do with finding his best stuff again, writes Tom English.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Too quiet for too long, can McGinn recapture best for Scotland?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/too-quiet-for-too-long-can-mcginn-recapture-best-for-scotland-11632982",
        "published": "2026-10-03T07:05:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}