On Sunday, John McGinn will step onto football's grandest stage for Scotland's first men's World Cup match in 28 years. But four years ago, when Unai Emery was appointed Aston Villa head coach, the 31-year-old captain was in a panic. "He's going to think 'Who's this wee Scottish guy?'" McGinn told his mates back home, fearing the worst about his role under the Spaniard. He would surely find it difficult not to chuckle at his own expense now. Last month, McGinn lifted Villa's first major silverware in 30 years, and just enjoyed his highest-scoring season at club level.
Success seems to follow the all-action midfielder. At St Mirren, he was part of their first cup triumph in 26 years; he played the full 90 minutes when Hibernian ended their 114-year wait for another Scottish Cup. And he has been key to back-to-back European Championship qualifications for his country. It is a relentless ascent, though one that was a millimetre away from ending before it had really started.
“John McGinn will play in Scotland's first men's World Cup match in 28 years on Sunday.”
Before the story of McGinn, there is a tale of a family deeply ingrained in football. His two older brothers also made it in the professional game – a rare feat given the odds are lower than 1%. Paul, a former postman, played at Queen's Park alongside Scotland internationals Andy Robertson and Lawrence Shankland, and is now captain of Motherwell. Stephen, who also played for St Mirren, is part of Falkirk's backroom team. Their late grandfather, Jack, was Scottish FA president and Celtic chairman. His mum, Mary, taught her youngest son at school and even coached his school team.
Born and raised in Clydebank, a working-class area on the outskirts of Glasgow, McGinn takes pride in the fact his rise has taken a different path from many Premier League players. From red ash pitches to Villa's trophy lift, the boy with the "big, round head" – hence the nickname 'Meatball' – has defied the odds every step. Now he dances to Scotland's tune on the world stage.