---
title: "John McGinn closes in on 90 Scotland caps in Nations League opener"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/26/john-mcginn-closes-in-on-90-scotland-caps-nations-league-slovenia/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-26T13:19:15Z"
modified: "2026-09-26T13:19:15Z"
---

# John McGinn closes in on 90 Scotland caps in Nations League opener

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has reached **90 senior Scotland caps** after starting Saturday’s Nations League opener against Slovenia.

McGinn went into the international break on 89 appearances, with the [Scottish FA’s official player profile](https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/en/teams/mens-team/john-mcginn) also crediting him with 21 goals and 10 assists.

Sébastien Pocognoli named the Villa midfielder in his starting XI in Ljubljana, confirming another major milestone in a Scotland career that began in March 2016.

## John McGinn reaches 90 Scotland appearances

McGinn started behind forwards Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure as Pocognoli began his first match in charge of Scotland.

The [UEFA match centre](https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2048027--slovenia-vs-scotland/) is following the Nations League Group B1 opener, with Scotland beginning a four-game international window before McGinn returns to Aston Villa.

His latest milestone strengthens an international career that has now lasted more than a decade.

McGinn remains Scotland’s vice-captain and one of the most experienced players in Pocognoli’s refreshed squad.

His club record can be followed through our [John McGinn Aston Villa profile](https://readastonvilla.com/squad/john-mcginn/), while our [Aston Villa international-break tracker](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/22/aston-villa-international-break-tracker-call-ups-bodymoor-heath/) will carry his result and minutes from Slovenia.

The next question is whether McGinn can mark appearance No.90 with a decisive contribution.