It's a treble for World Cup dreamer John McGinn

John McGinn is our International Player of the Year for the third year running

John McGinn admits he is completely aware of the sense of history as Scotland attempt to reach the World Cup Finals for the first time since 1998.

McGinn has made it a treble by winning the SFWA Men’s International Player of the Year for the third year running having played a hue part in leading the nation to the brink of glory.

A hectic schedule awaits in June as the Scots need to beat Ukraine to then take on Wales in Cardiff four days later for a place at Qatar with Nations League games scheduled too.

It will mean a short summer break but that’s the last thing on his mind.

McGinn said: "If we manage to do the business and get to Qatar the boys won't be moaning about any amount of games.

"We'd fly anywhere in the world to achieve that. We're a country that likes to hate each other at times.

"Growing up, Scotland in a World Cup was alien to me.

"So if we get there we would achieve something that my generation has never seen before.

"And hopefully we can inspire the children who enjoyed the Euros so much.

"We've still got regrets from that tournament so we want to get to Qatar.

"If we do that then those regrets will go away."

McGinn beat off stiff competition from Lyndon Dykes, Kieran Tierney, Billy Gilmour and Craig Gordon to win the award. But given the terrific season Clarke's side have enjoyed, he knows any of those boys would have been worthy recipients of the award. He said: "It feels amazing to win it, this year probably more than others.

"The success of the national team means it could have been anyone. Lots of the boys would have deserved it as much as me.

"But I'm really proud to get it for the third year in a row. I must be doing something right.

"Hopefully we can go one step further now and get to the World Cup.”