Hibs legend Pat Stanton insists there is ‘nothing to stop’ John McGinn from becoming a recognised member of the Scotland team after watching the midfielder excel on his international debut.
McGinn grabbed his chance with both hands after being named man of the match in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in the Hampden friendly.
The 21-year-old, who moved to Easter Road from St Mirren last summer, made a seamless transition from the Under-21s and produced a dynamic display in the middle of the park.
Hibs supporters have grown used to those kinds of displays in the Championship this term and Stanton envisages McGinn becoming a regular feature on the international stage.
Stanton, who won 16 caps for Scotland, said: “It’s very encouraging, John has come to Hibs and done very well and it’s good to see him getting rewarded for it. I was really pleased for him.
“It’s not as if he had a couple of good performances early on and he’s slipped a wee bit, his form has been terrific.
“I think there’s nothing to stop him if he keeps that level going.
“The fact he’s up there now, other people will be watching him and he just needs to maintain that.
“He’s made a step up and produced the goods and I’m sure he will continue that.
“It looks to me like he has a great attitude to the game, he’s full hearted and he’s leader.
“I think there’s more to come from him as well. He’s come to the Hibs and he’s done well, he’s made this step up and done well so the rest is up to him and his attitude – although he has a terrific attitude to the game.
“I don’t see any reason why he can’t go on if he keeps it going.”
McGinn was not the only Hibs player to shine on Tuesday after striker Jason Cummings notched a brace for the Under-21s in their 3-1 Euro qualifying victory over Northern Ireland, and Stanton is delighted to see the club being represented on the international stage.
He added: “It’s been a wee while since we had someone playing at that level and it’s a good thing.
“It’s a wee boost to other players as well that there’s opportunities there if you produce the goods.
“Jason Cummings is getting a wee bit of recognition as well.
“A lot of people forget that Jason is still quite young too. He’s playing with the Hibs and sometimes it can be difficult but he’s done well.”
