Will John McGinn take Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law's joint record for most Scotland goals?

Becoming Scotland’s main penalty taker will help, a fact McGinn alluded to coyly post-match.

In his career, he had only taken one spot-kick before this season – scoring for Scotland in the 3-3 draw against Norway back in 2023.

In this campaign he has scored three and missed one, smacking the bar against Fulham on Halloween.

In classic McGinn fashion, he bounced back to slot home against Manchester United the following week, before being caught on ref-cam admitting to the official that he was nervous to take it after his hitting the woodwork.

That jovial, lovable personality has not just won him fans off the pitch. It is clear that his team-mates at both Villa and the national team adore him.

“He’s not going to stop until he [gets the record],” said striker Che Adams, who helped set up McGinn’s first against North Macedonia.

“Everyone’s pleased for him, he’s the best person I’ve met in football. For him to get the recognition he deserves is amazing.”

McGinn’s iconic status in Scottish football is secure and will not be tarnished if he fails to climb the mountain.

Whether it is being speared by Steven Thompson in training, calling Scotland performances ‘jobby’, or admitting he would “probably be at Yeovil” were it not for his backside, the midfielder has already won the heart of a nation.