Scotland fan groups call for 'McGinn Street' to honour Tartan Army hero

Scotland supporters groups are calling for a street named after fans favourite John McGinn. The 29-year-old Aston Villa skipper was raised in Clydebank and his hometown has been earmarked as the perfect place for the street.

The calls come after a superfan had to travel to Northern Ireland to find a street bearing the Villa midfielder's name. David Little decided to visit a street with all 26 Scotland Euro 2024 players - plus Scotland manager Steve Clarke.

But he could not find a 'McGinn' street in Scotland and had to head to Northern Ireland. At 180 miles away from Hampden Park, McGinn Park, in Newry, is the street closest to the home of Scottish football bearing McGinn's name.

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Tartan Army enthusiasts and fans chiefs Hamish Husband and Andy Smith want that to change and have made separate calls for a McGinn Street. Scotland fanatic Hamish, of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said: "There are 100,000 Scots heading to Germany for the Euros."

"When they return, having beaten Germany in the opening game with McGinn scoring the winner, the Tartan Army will be campaigning for a McGinn street in every town village and city in Scotland."

Andy, of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, said: "It's a pity this didn't come up before the BBC leaders debate or we could have discussed it. It should be called McGinn Way."

"It would have been guaranteed we'd have got cross-party support for McGinn Way, and ideally it would be in Clydebank. There should be signs all over saying 'ball games'... not just 'allowed' but 'mandatory'."

"We all realise he has a particularly unique technique, that the Tartan Army love, using his posterior. It doesn't matter if we win, lose or draw, it's about time Scotland started recognising its real heroes. In Steve we trust."

David, of Glasgow, had to go to 12 different places to complete his challenge. And he has also backed the calls for a McGinn street - so he doesn't need to travel as far to complete his feat the next time.

The Partick Thistle season ticket holder said: "I'd absolutely back calls for a McGinn Street in Scotland. Clydebank sounds ideal! I also need a street for Scott McTominay."

"There aren't currently streets with 'McTominay' in the name anywhere in the world. Perhaps it could be in Helensburgh, I believe that's where his Scottish relatives are from."

But the McGinn street plans could be doomed from the start - as David says he previously inquired about new street names, and was told it wasn't possible. He explained: "I wrote to a few councils but they all have strict policies - you can't name streets after people who are still alive."

David first completed his challenge when Scotland qualified for Euro 2020, and says it may now be a ritual he does for every major tournament.

He said: "People seem to love it, so we'll see if I have time and it's possible I'll keep doing it The big IF is Scotland qualifying, can't take it for granted but the last few years of supporting Scotland have been phenomenal."

As well as Northern Ireland, David's pilgrimage saw him visiting Edinburgh, Airdrie, Falkirk, Dundee, Uddingston, Grangemouth, Kilbarchan, Motherwell, Greenock, and England.

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