McGinn moves within six goals of Scotland scoring record

John McGinn is six goals short of Scotland’s men’s scoring record after his double helped secure a 2-1 Nations League win over North Macedonia.

The Aston Villa midfielder has 24 goals in 94 appearances, drawing level with former Scotland forward Hughie Gallacher. Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law share the record with 30 goals apiece.

McGinn said the record had been “in the back of my head”, adding that moving up the scoring table would mean Scotland had been successful as a team. The 32-year-old did not score for Scotland in 2025, but found the net twice in the win under new head coach Sébastien Pocognoli.

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said McGinn was “definitely capable” of reaching the record, though it might take another year or two. McGinn has scored three penalties this season and missed one; becoming Scotland’s main penalty-taker could give him more chances to close the gap.