Excitement is there for World Cup dream – McGinn

World Cup qualiying: Belarus v Scotland

Venue: ZTE Arena, Zalaegerszeg Date: Monday, 8 September Time: 19:45 GMT

Few Scots in Copenhagen marked Friday’s draw with Denmark with “a bit of food and bed” but that’s what John McGinn and his Scotland team-mates did.

The Aston Villa captain followed a commanding performance as Steve Clarke’s side skipped out of Copenhagen with an away point to Group C’s top seeds with a settled night.

The same cannot be said for the thousands of the Tartan Army, who went on to celebrate one of McGinn’s best outings in a dark blue shirt in years with a beer or two.

Now attention moves swiftly to Monday’s match against Belarus in Hungary, where no fans will be present.

If Scotland pick up three points against the pot four team, it will be a very promising start to a short campaign. Already punters and pundits alike are talking of next summer’s tournament across North America, but are the players?

The interview took place a little bit later than planned because of a delay to the squad’s flight to Hevis-Balaton airport from Copenhagen, where there had been a rare opportunity for some sightseeing.

Those who did not feature against Denmark trained on Saturday, while the rest recovered before splitting off to explore the city.

The ever-energetic McGinn, 30, admitted his social battery “goes up and then goes right back down and then goes up too much”, as he explained his day on the streets of the Danish capital.

Given it was near-midnight by the time Scotland pulled away from the Parken stadium, it was understandable most followed the ‘home, teeth, bed’ approach.

That was particularly the case for McGinn, who was full of bustling intent in what he called a “brilliant team performance”.

His days of firing up the PlayStation are over though, as he grows into one of the more experienced heads in the squad.

“Everyone’s different but you can use that time to either do something together, chill out or sleep,” McGinn told BBC Sport Scotland.

“I used to be a PlayStation guy, not anymore.

Even when inundated with kilted boys and girls, McGinn scarcely lets any annoyance be shown.

For at heart it is clear he remains as chuffed as anyone to be kicking about in Scotland kit. Even if it blows his cover at Tivoli Gardens.

That passion and relatability, along with his high-standard play, have made him a darling of the Tartan Army.

He, like them, has “the dream of being on that plane [to North America] and making history” – but revealed the players do talk of next summer’s tournament.

“Sometimes in little groups…” he explained. “You won’t speak about it too much in big groups.

“We’ve had the experience of going to major tournaments but I think going to a World Cup would eclipse that.

“The excitement’s there. Everyone wants to achieve their own personal dreams and we can only achieve that by being together and being stronger.”

For the first time in three decades, this is a Scotland squad who have major tournament experience.

Many of Clarke’s key men who qualified for Euro 2020 and/or 2024 are still pulling on the jersey, while those who have yet to have a taste are champing at the bit.

From Ben Gannon-Doak to Lennon Miller, and lately Kieron Bowie, the calls for youngsters to transition into first-team regulars have been growing from the stands – and McGinn is sure they are ready, should the nod come.

“The young boys are a lot different to when I was coming into the squad,” McGinn added.

“They’re not as nervous any more. Football has changed and the boys are a lot more comfortable coming into the environment, which is good.

“They all bring their own humour, characteristics and ability to the group – they’re getting better and better and every time they come away you can see the improvement.

“That can only benefit us because we’re getting older and in the next few years those guys are going to have to take up the mantle and try and knock us off our perch.”