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JOHN McGinn insists Scotland are determined to build on their five-star start to World Cup qualifying as they target another six points in a ‘huge’ week for the nation.
The Hibs midfielder is back in Gordon Strachan’s squad after being an unused substitute for last month’s 5-1 hammering of Malta that opened the campaign.
The ex-St Mirren man, who does not turn 22 until later this month, admits the Scots may not have it as easy against Lithuania at Hampden on Saturday and Slovakia in Trnava next Tuesday.
But the youngster is optimistic they can keep the momentum going in their bid to reach Russia in 2018.
He said: “It’s a huge week and one we’re all looking forward to. It’s two big games.
“It was a great start the last time so we need to carry that on. We’ve got good players so if we play to our best then we’ll have a good chance.
“We’d like six points, preferably, but it doesn’t always work out like that.
“We’ll be looking to get three points on Saturday and hopefully take it from there.
“To win the first game 5-1 was pleasing and it’s given us a base to go and kick on from but we need to take advantage of the games at Hampden.”
INVOLVED
McGinn earned his first full international call-up back in March and has been a fixture in Strachan’s set-up ever since, despite currently playing Championship football with Hibs.
The 21-year-old impressed in his debut in the friendly win over Denmark six months ago but has not yet managed his second cap and is desperate to catch the eye again in training as he bids to make another outing in dark blue.
He added: “Hopefully I can train well and get involved.
“I’m delighted to be in the squad. I know how hard it is to get in there because there are some good players who haven’t even made it in to the squad.
“I’ve just got to go this week and show that I deserve to be there.
“Whoever the manager decides to go with I’ll be happy. I’ll support them.”