John McGinn makes Aston Villa history as Scotland midfielder trumps £50m man

McGinn netted the opener in Villa’s 3-2 victory over Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadion - their first of the season after failing to win any of their opening three English Premier League matches.

Captain McGinn curled home the opening goal from the corner of the penalty box on 11 minutes to net his 12th goal for Aston Villa in Europe during his eight years at the club.

The 31-year-old overtakes striker Ollie Watkins, who left Villa Park earlier this summer for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Club Brugge were soon on level terms through Hugo Vetlesen’s equaliser, but Villa did not look like a team that had been struggling in front of goal and they hit the front once again through Emi Buendia before summer signing Nicolas Jackson grabbed his first goal for the club to lead 3-1 at half-time.

Nicolo Tresoldi’s penalty halved deficit in the second period and Club Brugge pushed hard for an equaliser, but the visitors managed to hang on for their first win of the season in all competitions.

Aston Villa only managed one shot on target from first three games, but registered nine in Belgium, which will be a welcome sign for Emery.

New Scotland head coach Sebastien Pocognoli will have welcomed McGinn’s goal, with the former Hibs man set to be called into the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.