McGinn 'forever grateful' to outgoing Scotland boss Clarke
- Published
Steve Clarke's contribution as Scotland head coach "has been immense", says midfielder John McGinn.
Clarke stepped down at the weekend after the Scots missed out on the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Aston Villa's McGinn, 31, scored Scotland's only goal at the finals, the winner in the opening group victory over Haiti.
"What the gaffer has given this group, on and off the pitch, has been immense," McGinn said on X.
"Not only by taking us to major tournaments but by how together we have felt as a squad and as a nation. Representing Scotland means everything to us and to him I'll be forever grateful."
Scotland lost 1-0 to Morocco and then succumbed to a 3-0 loss against Brazil. There was still an outside chance they could progress as one the eight best third-placed sides from the group stage but results ultimately eliminated Clarke's side.
"No one wanted to progress more than us players, and as much as the experiences and memories we'll share will last forever, that doesn't take away from how much this still hurts," McGinn said.
"The excitement and togetherness that this tournament brought to everyone in our country means so much to us all.
"I hope the generation of young Scots who experienced this World Cup grow up believing that seeing Scotland on this stage is the new norm."
