“I was scared” – Returning McGinn feared World Cup dream was over
John McGinn admits he was “petrified” after being forced off with injury in January, casting doubt over his World Cup place, as the Aston Villa captain looks ahead to their maiden tournament appearance for 28 years. Speaking ahead of their latest friendly against the Ivory Coast in Merseyside, McGinn recalled the panic from the injury at Villa Park. “I remember right away feeling, oh, this isn’t right. It was 10, 15 minutes into the game, I blocked a pass against Everton, and I knew right away, so my hand goes up, and obviously, I’ve known experienced players who have done serious knee injuries six months plus, feeling able to walk off. “I was petrified, really, but then you get the scan, and you wait, and thankfully it was good news that it was only a minor knee injury. “The knee obviously reacts in different ways to surgery, but it could have been a lot, lot worse. It was expected to be six to eight weeks. Managed to come back in six weeks.” “I thought it was an important time for the club, an important time of the season, big games, but then, as the days went on, it started to swell more and there was more fluid in the knee,” he recalls. “So, as much as I like to think I could have braved on, it was clear quite soon that I needed the surgery. As you get older, of course, you need to look after your body. I’m 31 now, so to do anything crazy would be wild.” Ten years ago this past weekend, McGinn collected the first of 84 international caps against Denmark. The former Hibs midfielder appreciated the journey he and his teammates have embarked on. “It was a friendly against a team who had qualified, but we had nothing to play for,” he recalls. “It does seem like a long time ago, but the way we’ve evolved as a group of players is huge. “How far we’ve come is incredible.” Having represented Scotland at back-to-back European Championships, McGinn understands the rise in expectations from the Tartan Army ahead of their overseas trip to Boston and Miami. “There’s still so much we’ve got to improve, we know that,” he says. “But we’re a small country, fighting against bigger nations. We don’t have the same luxuries that they do. But what we do have is grit and determination. “Was this our best campaign? No, probably not in terms of performances. But we had one objective, and that was to finish first in the group, create some history, and we managed to do that.”
Clarke disappointed by boos as World Cup preparations stall against Japan
As Shaun Evans called time on Scotland’s abject defeat to Japan yesterday evening, sections of Hampden Park descended into a chorus of boos, a stark contrast from November’s euphoric triumph over the Danes. Junya Ito provided the crucial blow, latching onto a loose ball in the Scotland penalty area, to consign the hosts to a 1-0 loss. With just three friendlies remaining before judgment day in Boston, the defeat stalled the momentum of Steve Clarke’s heroes. Speaking at full-time, a typically stoic Clarke remained upbeat about his side’s performance. “There’s a lot to take,” he said. “Obviously, there are one or two things we can do better. “To lose it on the goal [we conceded] is disappointing. The game at that stage looked like it was going to peter out to a 0-0 draw. “We made a mistake, probably tried to go forward too early, got caught, and they managed to score off it. “I thought we defended well in the game against a very good side. They pop the ball around really well, and we knew they would cause us problems. I thought it would be a low-scoring game, and it was. “Tommy did really well coming off the left side and didn’t do himself any harm tonight. I liked my midfield; my midfield was strong. “We played a lot of good stuff, and I think we can be a bit more progressive to get to the top end of the pitch, but against top opposition sometimes that’s difficult.” Kenny McLean sealed Scotland’s first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and saw the exercise against Japan as crucial experience ahead of the tournament. “A disappointing result. It’s good to get these challenges, we’re trying to prepare as well as we can for a big summer ahead.” “We’ll try to get better and that’s what we’ll try to do again on Tuesday. The shape was decent enough at times. “The second half was a bit better out of possession, but I think we could have been a bit more threatening at the top end of the pitch. “Japan are a really good team, they press you really well, but that’s what we’re going to come up against in the summer. “There’s an expectation now, and we want those expectations on us. We want to reach a new level.” Scotland travel to Merseyside on Tuesday to face the Ivory Coast at Everton’s gleaming new stadium. Though just a friendly, it feels necessary that Clarke’s reteam re-establish the momentum that pushed them to the Promised Land of the World Cup.
“The quickest I’d moved all night!” – McLean Recalls Scotland 4-2 Denmark
Kenny McLean etched his name into Scottish footballing folklore with a 98th-minute halfway line hit, ending the Tartan Army’s 28-year exile from the World Cup stage. Reflecting on that night at Mount Florida via the National Team’s social media, the midfielder described the experience as nothing short of ‘incredible.’ “Walking out here, I still try to picture the scenes that went on that night, and it’s something that will live forever for everybody. It was in this place, and now we’ve got something to look forward to” The Norwich City midfielder got the early call from the bench after Ben Gannon-Doak’s exit in the 21st minute. “I saw Doaky go down, I was looking around and telling lads to get warmed up who I thought would have come on on the wing, and at the time I didn’t consider Ryan [Christie] going there and me going inside. “I got the call, and didn’t have too much time to think about it.” The familiar sting of ‘glorious failure’ returned in the 81st minute. Patrick Dorgu’s clinical finish left Craig Gordon motionless, and the Tartan Army devastated, seemingly condemning Scotland to the playoffs “Maybe for a second it did cross our mind that we were going to come up short again, but we found it from somewhere. “This squad is something that I’ve never been involved in. I’m sure all the lads say the same thing about it, incredible.” McLean had the perfect view to watch Kieran Tierney restore the lead in the 93rd minute. “I’m right behind Kieran when he is taking the shot, it starts a yard outside the post, and as soon as I saw it turning in, I knew where it was landing.” With the final kick of the game, McLean hammered home his place in history, punching Scotland’s ticket to America in breathtaking fashion. “I was thinking (about going to) the corner initially, I think I had Che [Adams] on one side, Fergie [Lewis Ferguson] on the other, and I found myself in this very spot. “There was just a noise that seemed to come around the stadium, initial shouts of shoot were probably ignored, and then I took a touch out of my feet, but I wasn’t set to hit it. “The louder the shouts got, I thought the game’s probably done, if it goes into the keeper’s hand I’ll probably get some abuse, but when I saw the keeper going back the way, and I saw it dropping and hit the net, it was special!” Bedlam followed in all corners of the National Stadium, a special goal to cap off a special night. Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti await in Boston and Miami, and the Tartan Army will hope the side can deliver similar heroics on the world stage.
“Playing for Scotland is the pinnacle” – Determined Conway delights at National return
Scotland’s Tommy Conway knew a call-up to Steve Clarke’s March squad would be his “real chance” of achieving a World Cup berth, as the Middlesbrough forward hopes to mirror his domestic form in the National side. His eight league goals have pushed Boro into the automatic promotion spots with just seven games to play in the English Championship. Speaking in camp, Conway revealed that honing his daily habits was the key to breaking into the Scotland squad. “I set myself targets and goals, and I really did commit to the process ever since November, using it as fuel to make sure I got into this one. “I’ve done that, and almost that’s like the first box ticked. The next box to tick is to get to the World Cup, and I’m doing everything I can to get there. Having missed out on Scotland’s rollercoaster World Cup qualification campaign, Conway hopes to bring a “winning mentality” to the National side, backing up his positive form in the English second tier. “I missed out on three camps, and I’d be lying if you don’t start to think, ‘Am I for Scotland anymore? What am I going to have to do to get back into the squad?’ “You have to feel like, ‘I’ve been there before, so why can’t I be there again? “I work every day to achieve targets that I set myself, and playing for Scotland is the pinnacle for me.” “We’re doing well, and I want to bring that winning mentality to Scotland and try and make my mark when I’m away at the international stage,” he added. “I think playing with pressure every week is only going to benefit you and the experience you get from that. “You can then take that into playing for Scotland as well and, when you go to the World Cup, if I make it there, it’s going to be pressure.” Scotland v Japan Barclays Hampden Saturday 28th March 5pm KO
Dundee FC Announces Renewal of Alpha Projects Back-of-Shirt Partnership
Dundee Football Club is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with Alpha Projects, who will continue as the club’s official back-of-shirt sponsor. The renewed agreement will see Alpha Projects’ branding remain on the lower back of Dundee FC’s first-team kits, reinforcing a strong and successful relationship built on shared values, ambition, and community focus. Alpha Projects has been a valued partner of Dundee FC, supporting the club both on and off the pitch. The continuation of this partnership reflects a mutual commitment to growth, performance, and engagement with supporters across the city and beyond. John Nelms, Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Alpha Projects. Their continued support is a testament to the strength of our relationship and their belief in the direction of the club. We look forward to building on our success together in the seasons ahead.” Kevin Brown, Contracts Director, added: “We’re proud to continue our association with Dundee FC. The club plays a vital role in the community, and we are excited to remain part of that journey. We look forward to another successful chapter together.” The renewed partnership will continue to deliver brand visibility for Alpha Projects across Dundee FC’s matchday kits, as well as opportunities for collaboration through digital, community, and commercial initiatives. Dundee FC would like to thank Alpha Projects for their ongoing support and commitment.
Robertson coy on future ahead of crunch Champions League tie
Scotland captain Andy Robertson has shut down transfer talks linking him to Celtic, as his side looks to overturn their Champions League knockout tie against Galatasaray. The 32-year-old’s Liverpool contract runs out in the coming months, but contract plans are not at the forefront of his mind ahead of the season run-in. “I don’t think the day is the day to discuss that. “I think 24 hours before a massive Champions League game, I don’t think anyone should really be talking about their future. “We’ve got such a massive game ahead of us. “I know it’s a boring answer, and I can only apologise for that, my full focus as being a part of this time is trying to get through tomorrow night. “We’ve obviously given ourselves an uphill battle, and I think full focus has to be on that. “There’ll be time to talk about my future but I’m not sure today’s that day.” Robertson will lead Scotland to a first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and looks set to feature in the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Côte d’Ivoire. With two Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, and several domestic trophies to his name, his 2017 move to Liverpool has become a roaring success.
Askou upbeat despite Celtic Park defeat
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou saw plenty of positives from his side’s 3-1 defeat against champions Celtic. Elijah Just gave the Fir Park side a priceless lead, but replies from Tomas Cvancara and Yang meant the Steelmen would lose further ground on the top three. Speaking after the match, Askou expressed pride in his team’s performance, as they continue to navigate a stellar season. “Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning, and now we have got nothing out of the last two games, even though we have put a lot in. “The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good, and our pressing was at times extremely good, and it made them change their strategies. “We got a goal from it, and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do. “It could go both ways, and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game. “It’s a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card, which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result.” Hopes of splitting the Old Firm may slip away after back-to-back defeats leave the Steelmen seven points adrift of third place. They return to Fir Park on Saturday afternoon, facing European-chasing Hibernian.
McCann determined to create a “Fortress” after Hearts victory
Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann expressed his delight at his side’s improved home form, following their deserved 1-0 victory over league leaders Hearts at BSSP Rugby Park. “There’s a lot to like. I’m so proud of the players. We’ve had two weeks to dwell on the Falkirk result. “The message was to play with risk and bravery, but that we would have to match Hearts. “We knew they would throw balls in the box and be physical, but to a man, we were outstanding and thoroughly deserved the three points. “We did all the stuff off the ball so well. Derek [McInnes] is a first-class manager, and we had to adjust our tactics to respect how Hearts would play. “We had everything tonight and could have scored more as well. We tried to stay composed, they stuck their chests out and deserve their victory. “The bar was set when we came in – what we expect as a coaching team. What we’re doing at home is so pleasing. I want it to become a fortress.” The victory moves the Ayrshire side level on points with St Mirren, ahead of a crucial few weeks before the Scottish Premiership split. Victories over Aberdeen, St Mirren, and now Hearts at home have fuelled optimism for a rejuvenated Killie support. McCann and assistant Billy Dodds deserve heaps of credit for the side’s steady improvement.
Man Utd 3-1 Aston Villa: Hosts tighten grip on third after enthralling second half
Manchester United 3-1 Aston Villa Casemiro (53′) Cunha (71′) Sesko (83′) Barkley (64′) Two goals in the final twenty minutes secured a crucial three points for Manchester United at Old Trafford, as Michael Carrick’s interim reign continues to bear fruit. The top four match up with Aston Villa started slowly, but burst into life in an action-packed second half. United opened the scoring after a terrific corner kick delivery from captain Bruno Fernandes. The outswinging ball was headed past Emi Martinez by Casemiro, giving the hosts the lead in the 53rd minute. Aston Villa responded eleven minutes later. Ross Barkley’s wicked strike found the bottom corner after Lucas Digne’s low cross. But United seized control of the match in the final twenty minutes, again, their starman Fernandes was heavily involved. The Portuguese midfielder split the Villa defence with a deadly through ball. Matheus Cunha gathered and finished past Martinez with his right foot to reestablish the lead. Benjamin Sesko fired home his 9th league goal of the season, to add gloss to the scoreline in the 83rd minute, moving Carrick’s rejuvenated side three points clear in third place over Villa. Manchester United: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro (Ugarte 91′) Mainoo, Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbuemo (Sesko 75′) Aston Villa: Martinez, Bogarde, Konsa, Mings (Maatsen 82′) Digne, Onana, Barkley (Luiz 82′) McGinn (Bailey 61′) Buendia (Garcia (86′) Rogers, Watkins (Abraham 60′)
Derby Stars, New Beginnings, and Title Credentials: SPFL Breakdown Round 30
Ahead of a crucial Scottish Premiership weekend, these are three things to watch out for, with key match-ups all over the league table. Game of the Weekend – Celtic v Motherwell While omitting the Dundee Derby feels like a slight, Motherwell’s latest trip to Celtic Park is shaping up to be an unmissable clash. Much has been made of Jens Berthel Askou’s tactical imprint on the league this season; his side will arrive full of belief that they can conduct an upset, despite a stumble at Dens Park last weekend. Memories of their last meeting linger, a 2-0 Motherwell victory that felt more like a massacre than the scoreline suggested. Askou’s men ran riot against a passive Celtic side, then managed by the beleaguered Wilfried Nancy. However, the Hoops are a different beast now. With Martin O’Neill back in the dugout, Celtic are riding high after a marathon 120-minute triumph over Rangers at Hampden. Returning home after a gruelling four-game road trip across Ibrox, Stuttgart, and Aberdeen, Celtic’s task is to close the gap at the top to just two points with the Jambos playing in the evening kick-off. Whether Motherwell can throw another spanner in the works of this title race remains to be seen, but if their last 3-2 thriller in Glasgow is any indication, we’re in for a classic. Team Spotlight – Aberdeen Stephen Robinson has undoubtedly earned a crack at the Aberdeen job. Departing St Mirren as a club legend, he leaves behind a legacy of three consecutive top-half finishes and a League Cup trophy, all achieved on a fraction of his rivals’ budgets. His immediate task is to galvanise a fragmented Dons squad still reeling from a shock Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Dunfermline. With their trophy defence dead and a bottom-six finish already guaranteed, Robinson’s priority is a total appraisal of a bloated squad as he looks toward next season. His tenure begins with a baptism of fire – Falkirk at home. With the Bairns playing expansive football and chasing a European spot, Pittodrie will be an unforgiving introduction for the new man. All eyes turn to the North East this weekend to see if, five years after Derek McInnes moved on, Aberdeen have finally found a long-term successor. Player Spotlight – Tony Yogane The third instalment of the Dundee Derby arrives this Sunday. Although both sides currently reside in the bottom six, the stakes remain high in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at Dens Park. The Dark Blues have the chance to leapfrog their bitter rivals into 7th place, continuing a season that has defied many pre-season relegation predictions. Central to Steven Pressley’s success has been a reliance on phenomenal wing play. Swansea loanee Cameron Congreve commands the headlines – currently the league’s joint-top assist provider with seven – he recently showcased his value with a stunning 20-yard strike in a chaotic 3-3 draw with Hibernian. However, Tony Yogane is proving just as potent on the opposite flank. The Brentford loanee, fresh from opening the scoring in a vital win over high-flying Motherwell, has consistently impressed with his physicality and tireless work rate. After playing the full 90 minutes in Dundee’s 1-0 triumph at Tannadice earlier this season, Yogane will be eager to replicate that dominant performance on home turf.