John McGinn Eyes Scotland Goal Record Following Landmark Match
As Scotland icon Kenny Dalglish observed his record tied during Scotland’s 2-1 triumph over North Macedonia, another milestone surfaced for the legendary player.
The evening primarily celebrated Andy Robertson becoming Scotland’s joint most-capped player alongside Dalglish, with the Tottenham left-back earning his 102nd international cap.
However, the 75-year-old Dalglish may now feel his status as one of Scotland’s leading goal-scorers is under threat.
During Scotland’s straightforward Nations League victory, John McGinn, appearing for the 94th time, made significant progress toward equaling this record.
The Aston Villa midfielder has now netted 24 goals for his national team, leaving him just six short of Dalglish’s enduring record of 30, which he shares with Denis Law.
“It’s something that’s been in the back of my head,” McGinn shared after the match. “If I start climbing that table, it means we’ve been successful as a team.”
At 32, McGinn recognizes that time is not on his side. Nonetheless, he shares the ambition to match the legendary Hughie Gallacher, another figure famed in Scottish football.
McGinn Positioned to Break Goal Record
Once considered a far-off possibility, the prospect of the goal record being surpassed now seems tangible. Scotland has produced many notable strikers over the years, yet none have reached the heights of Dalglish or Law.
It’s particularly remarkable that a midfielder like McGinn is making strides toward this title.
Fans are well aware of his scoring abilities, highlighted by his remarkable run at the end of 2019, which saw him score six goals in three matches, along with his overhead kick against Austria and his late winner against Croatia in 2024.
Nonetheless, McGinn faced scrutiny recently due to a lack of goals and some question marks about his role within the squad. “It has been a bit of a dry patch for me over the last year on the goal front,” McGinn reflected, acknowledging he did not score for Scotland in 2025, marking the first time since 2020 this occurred.
However, as his form at Aston Villa improves, he responded well for his new international coach, Sebastien Pocognoli.
“Isn’t it great to have a John McGinn in your team?” exclaimed former Scotland winger Pat Nevin on Sportsound. “He’s someone you’d want taking a penalty for you.”
“I’d be surprised if John McGinn doesn’t get the goal record now. It might take him another year or two, but he is definitely capable of achieving that record.”
‘The Best Person I’ve Met in Football’
Taking on the role of Scotland’s primary penalty taker could expedite McGinn’s climb up the scoring ladder, something he hinted at after the match.
Prior to this season, McGinn had only taken one penalty in his career—successfully converting in a 3-3 draw against Norway back in 2023.
In the current campaign, he has scored three penalties but missed one after hitting the bar against Fulham on Halloween.
In typical McGinn fashion, he quickly regained confidence, scoring against Manchester United the following week, candidly expressing nervousness about taking the penalty after previously hitting the woodwork.
This cheerful demeanor has won him fans both on and off the pitch, clearly endearing him to his teammates at both Villa and the national side.
“He’s not going to stop until he [gets the record],” remarked striker Che Adams, who assisted McGinn’s opening goal against North Macedonia. “Everyone’s pleased for him; he’s the best person I’ve met in football. For him to get the recognition he deserves is amazing.”
Regardless of whether he achieves the record, McGinn’s iconic standing in Scottish football remains unblemished, having already captured the hearts of many through his performances and spirited personality.
