John McGinn denied chance to be part of Scotland World Cup celebrations - 'Can't write it' - The Mirror

Scotland qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 on Tuesday night, leading to huge celebrations in Glasgow, but John McGinn was forced to step away for a period

11:28, 19 Nov 2025

John McGinn posted a selfie of himself being drug tested alone in the aftermath of Scotland's World Cup qualification, which meant he couldn't join his team-mates in celebrating for a perod.


The Aston Villa star helped his country make the World Cup for the first time since 1998 - ending a 28-year wait with a sensational win over Denmark. The Scots scored twice in stoppage time to down the Danes 4-2, leading to jubilant scenes in Glasgow.


Players celebrated wildly at full-time with the whole squad on the pitch. Those celebrations filtered into the dressing room but McGinn had to step away to undergo his drugs test.


He shared a picture of himself on Instagram, staring with a straight face as he wrote the words: "Drugs test, not allowed in the changing room, can't write it".

Kieran Tierney curled in a stunning goal in the third minute of added time to put Scotland ahead before Kenny McLean scored from inside his own half minutes later. Denmark were pushing for an equaliser but the Norwich City star spotted Kasper Schmeichel off his line and fired home to get the party started.

READ MORE: Fuming Denmark star rants about Scott McTominay in X-rated live TV interviewREAD MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about Scott McTominay speak volumes after Scotland heroics

McGinn claimed after the success that he thought they were below par - not that he cared. He said: "I thought we were pretty rubbish, to be honest, but who cares. I thought Denmark, with 10 men, moved the ball a bit better, looked more assured. We’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team, we take a lot of hits. To get over the line, it’s an amazing feeling.


"The gaffer’s team talk was exceptional before we left the hotel. What we’ve been through together as players and staff is outstanding. It’s a privilege every time we meet up – just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. You can see that every time we’re on the pitch. A few wondergoals, but we’re going to a World Cup. I can’t believe it."

Steve Clarke, who has taken Scotland to the Euros in successive tournaments, added on his latest achievement: "Really simple - what a fantastic group of players. Unbelievable. I've said it from the very start of my time. It took me a year, maybe 18 months, to work out the best way to go forward. If I give myself a bit of credit, I chose the right way.


"We chose more caps, more experience. When you come to a night like this, when you're behind and struggling, and not sure it's going to happen, I trust my players. I've told them so many times, I trust them implicitly.

"I woke up this morning, and as a manager you normally wake up with that tight feeling in your stomach. I didn't have it this morning, and I thought 'wow, that's strange.' I thought there was something wrong with me! But it's because I trust my players so much."

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