Scotland boss Steve Clarke explains why Hibs right-back Paul McGinn deserved his call-up

Scotland boss Steve Clarke says Paul McGinn is in the best form of his career after calling up the Hibs right-back for the Nations League matches against Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Paul McGinn during a Scotland training session at the Oriam on October 10, 2020. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)Paul McGinn during a Scotland training session at the Oriam on October 10, 2020. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Paul McGinn during a Scotland training session at the Oriam on October 10, 2020. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

McGinn has been a stand-out performer for the Easter Road side in their impressive start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, helping them to currently sit third place in the standings with 20 points from the opening 10 games.

The 29-year-old, who also signed a new deal with Hibs this week, has been solid in a defence that has conceded only four times from open play while also showing an ability to support the attack – traits Clarke believes can be an asset to the national side.

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"Paul McGinn has done the hard yards, he's come up the hard way," he said after handing the former St Mirren full-back his first international call-up.

"He's kept improving and I think he's definitely in the best form of his career. He's in a Hibs side that is doing well.

“I spoke to Jack Ross about him and Jack said he would have no problem making the step up.

"It's also an area where although we've got a couple of good young ones coming up, and I am conscious of that, it's an area where we need to have a bit more cover so hopefully Paul can come in and impress in the camp."

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McGinn was called up alongside Aberdeen duo Ross McCrorie and Andrew Considine after Scotland suffered six call-offs for the Israel match and has joined his brother and former Hibs midfielder John McGinn in the squad.