Premiership star makes 'why not' declaration as 'outsider' told he warrants Steve Clarke squad place

While his younger brother, John, is virtually guaranteed a spot on the plane to the United States this summer, the Fir Park captain has been told he could join him across the pond after a superb season with European chasing Motherwell.

The 35-year-old has just one cap for the national team, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 away World Cup qualification victory over Austria five years ago. While his focus remains on cementing his club side’s place in the top four, he hopes his form has put him in the frame for a shock recall.

“I had a good spell later on at St Mirren, and then Hibs,” said McGinn. “But I’ve not played in a team that dominates possession [like Motherwell do]. We’re going to Celtic and Rangers and not riding our luck. Obviously they’ve dropped their levels a little bit, which won’t last, but we’ve taken advantage of it.

“We played Hertha Berlin in a friendly, right before the start of the season, and it was a level game and we thought ‘oh, here we go, we could be good this season’. It’s hard to speak any higher of him [Motherwell manager Jens Berthel-Askou]. It’s not just about the possession either, if you press us, we will kick it in behind you. It isn’t just one way to play.

“We just need to keeping trying for this fourth place. I think Hibs have slowly been creeping up on us [in fifth], bar last weekend and they are maybe not getting the credit they deserve for nearly catching us. If we can keep them at bay, then that’ll be a success. You’re only as good as your last game. A good amount of points in the last four games, and we’ll be happy.”

Asked how he considers his chances of making Clarke’s 55-man provisional squad for the World Cup later this month, McGinn joked: “If I keep playing well in the last four, and another pandemic comes, then I might get myself in!”, before adding: “Look, it’s a real outside chance, but why not? He's picked me before, and he's pretty loyal to players he's had before. So you never know.”

Premier Sports TV pundit Michael Stewart also threw his support behind the versatile defender, calling for McGinn to be included in the Scotland conversation, having played a pivotal role in Motherwell’s rise up the table despite being tipped for relegation at the start of the campaign.

“Look, you're talking about team of the year - and Paul is in it on merit,” Stewart told him on Premier Sports. “There's a big squad to be picked, and I don't see any reason why not. But you'll be on the plane one way or another, supporting your brother.”

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