John McGinn targets ultimate Scotland horror miss redemption as Aston Villa star reveals Steven Naismith pep talk

John McGinn insists he’s determined to made amends for his Ukraine horror miss by driving Scotland to a major finals.

The Tartan Army hero admitted he’s still haunted by his big chance to grab a lifeline in the agonising World Cup play-off defeat at Hampden 11 days ago.

McGinn headed wide with the goal gaping with 25 minutes to go against a Ukraine side who looked like they’d emptied the tank.

The Aston Villa star has vowed to avenge the sitter – even if it takes him another four years.

McGinn is targeting three Nations League points against Ireland in Dublin today and said: “It still hurts me the same way it hurts everyone else in the country.

“It was a really disappointing night for me and for everyone but it’s one we are really keen to avenge.

“Even if it does take two years or four years, it’s one we will definitely do.

“I promised I wouldn’t watch it but I woke up the next morning and then had to watch it back.

“In that split second you don’t see the other side, you make a decision at the time and it was the wrong one.

“Looking back and analysing it, analysing it in detail, it’s easy to say I should have gone to the other side.

“But there will be a time when it comes again.

“The disappointing thing for me in my Scotland career is that it’s always the easier ones I seem to miss.

“I score the more challenging ones so I have to practice those moments and don’t be so keen to score.

“Don’t think about what’s happening next and focus on the moment.”

McGinn admitted the sliding doors moment will always haunt him – but it will also fuel his fire.

He said: “Reflect is probably the wrong word because I was hurting – and hurting badly.

“That’s part of learning and being a player, you make a decision in a split second.

“On