John McGinn hails ‘inspirational’ Andy Robertson as he prepares for 100th cap

John McGinn said it has been “a privilege” to share in so much of Andy Robertson’s international journey as the “inspirational” captain prepares to become only the second Scotland player to win 100 caps.

Tottenham left-back Robertson made his debut in 2014, became skipper in 2018 and then led the Scots to back-to-back European Championships and then this summer’s World Cup.

The 32-year-old is set to win his 100th cap – and move within two of record-holder Sir Kenny Dalglish – in Saturday night’s Nations League match away to North Macedonia.

McGinn, who won the first of his own 91 caps two years after former Queen’s Park, Dundee United, Hull and Liverpool defender Robertson, paid a warm tribute to his long-time national team sidekick after the Scots arrived in Skopje on Friday evening.

“It’s been a privilege to be involved in so many of them with him,” said the Aston Villa captain. “The commitment, the desire to always be available, even when he was competing at the top of the European game, the top of the English game.

“(Former Liverpool boss) Jurgen Klopp was obviously a demanding manager, Robbo’s body would have been knackered at times, but even through the pain barrier, he was always available for Scotland, even when he was at 60 and 70 per cent.

“He deserves everything that comes his way, but having spoken to him, he’s taking it in his stride. He wants to try and achieve more.

“He likes to talk things down, but he is an inspiration to every young player in Scotland at the moment facing some sort of rejection, feeling like going to part-time football is their dream of being a professional footballer over.

“He is the shining example that that’s just not the case, and it’s been an absolute honour to stand beside him during this.”

McGinn himself has his eye on the century although he is not taking it for granted as he stressed that he does not feel “undroppable” even though he has become a mainstay of the team.

“It is an incentive, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” he said of reaching 100 caps. “Did I ever think it was possible? No. But we’re getting close to it now.

“I think what keeps me going is how I felt on that first night against Denmark, the pride, the emotion, how hard it was to get to represent your country.

“I don’t take it for granted, and I think with myself and Robbo coming up to such big milestones, I think it sets a good example for the young players coming through now.

“I don’t want to go into it too deeply, but when’s the last time you saw six or seven players pull out to prioritise their club? We’ve brought back what it means to represent Scotland, the pride that you feel when you put on that shirt and sing the national anthem.

“When you’re picked to play for your country, you never know when it’s going to be your last, so you don’t take it for granted. Quite possibly tomorrow night, you never know, it could be the last time you’re chosen.”