McGinn addresses Norway criticism over cancelled training match
9 reported
Scotland midfielder John McGinn responded to criticism from Norway coach Stale Solbakken and team manager Brede Hangeland after Scotland cancelled a training game between reserve players from the two countries. Solbakken called the cancellation “unprofessional,” while Hangeland described it as “embarrassing” and “weak.” McGinn said 75% of the Scotland squad had not seen the comments, but he defended the decision, citing the loss of Billy Gilmour from the squad and other injury concerns. He stated that Norway would have done the same if they lost Erling Haaland or Martin Odegaard. McGinn also discussed a 25-foot mural painted in his honor in Clydebank, his form heading into the World Cup, and advice for younger players in the squad. Scotland midfielder John McGinn responded to criticism from Norway coach Stale Solbakken and team manager Brede Hangeland after Scotland cancelled a training game between reserve players from the two countries. Solbakken called the cancellation “unprofessional,” while Hangeland described it as “embarrassing” and “weak.” McGinn said 75% of the Scotland squad had not seen the comments, but he defended the decision, citing the loss of Billy Gilmour from the squad and other injury concerns. He stated that Norway would have done the same if they lost Erling Haaland or Martin Odegaard. McGinn also discussed a 25-foot mural painted in his honor in Clydebank, his form heading into the World Cup, and advice for younger players in the squad.
What’s reported
Norway coach Stale Solbakken called Scotland’s cancellation of a training game “unprofessional.”
Norway team manager Brede Hangeland called the cancellation “embarrassing” and “weak.”
McGinn said 75% of the Scotland squad had not seen the Norwegian criticism.
McGinn cited the loss of Billy Gilmour from the squad and other injury concerns as reasons for cancelling the game.
McGinn said Norway would have done the same if they lost Erling Haaland or Martin Odegaard.
A 25-foot mural of McGinn has been painted on a house in Clydebank.
McGinn has 20 Scotland goals, ranking fifth in the nation’s all-time top scorer chart.
McGinn is a Europa League winner and has secured a Champions League place for next season.
Young players in the Scotland squad include Tyler Fletcher (19), Findlay Curtis (19, turns 20 on Tuesday), and Ben Gannon-Doak (20).
Key figures
John McGinn, Scotland midfielder
Stale Solbakken, Norway head coach
Brede Hangeland, Norway team manager
Billy Gilmour, Scotland player (not in squad)
Erling Haaland, Norway player
Martin Odegaard, Norway player
Stevie Thompson, former St Mirren player
Tyler Fletcher, Scotland player (age 19)
Findlay Curtis, Scotland player (age 19, turns 20 on Tuesday)
Ben Gannon-Doak, Scotland player (age 20)
Sources: BBC News
