MCGINN AND TONIC

Rest assured, the Tartan Army favourite is refreshed and ready to be Scots hero again

- BY SCOTT McDERMOTT

HE'S Scotland's talisman, the go-to guy whenever Steve Clarke's side needs a lift - but even super John McGinn needs a rest sometimes.

And the Aston Villa captain admits himself that towards the end of last season held lost a bit of his mojo.

The goals had dried up for club and country. Even his legendary backside wasn't doing as much damage as it used to.

But McGinn hit the reset button over the summer, A lengthy, well-earned break helped him recharge the batteries.

And now the midfielder believes he's got his spark back again.

He has almost single-handedly reignited Villa's season with three goals in his last four games for Unai Emery’s side.

Which is perfect timing for Scotland as McGinn bids to turbocharge the bid to reach the 2026 World Cup, with Clarke's side having collected four points on the road last month to open their Group C campaign - a 0-0 draw in Denmark and 2-0 win in Belarus.

The 30-year-old is bang in form ahead of this week's Hampden doubleheader against Greece and Belarus.

Now feeling as fit as he’s ever been, McGinnis raring to go.

He said: “Maybe it was the longer rest over the summer. I had two-and-a-half weeks of pretty much doing nothing.