The rise and rise of 'Meatball' McGinn

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. The rise and rise of 'Meatball' McGinnPublished3 hours agoImage source, Getty ImagesByNick McPheatBBC Sport ScotlandIn the days following Unai Emery's appointment as Aston Villa head coach, John McGinn was north of the border catching up with some old friends. Some classic west of Scotland pessimism set in. "He's going to think 'Who's this wee Scottish guy?

'" he told his mates in a panic, fearing the worst about his role in how the Spaniard would reshape Villa. If he was to replay that scene in his head almost four years on, he would surely find it difficult not to chuckle at his own expense. McGinn lifted Villa's first major silverware in 30 years last month and the 31-year-old has just enjoyed his highest-scoring season at club level.

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It is the latest in a line of success stories McGinn has been integral to. At St Mirren he was part of their first cup triumph in 26 years while he played the full 90 minutes when Hibernian ended their 114-year wait for another Scottish Cup. He will feature in his nation's first men's World Cup match in 28 years on Sunday (02:00 BST) after playing a key role in back-to-back European Championship qualifications.

Whatever jersey he has on, success seems to follow the all-action midfielder - and it doesn't feel like pure coincidence. Defying the odds and hitting new heights has been the tale of a relentless ascent - although it is one that was a millimetre away from cruelly ending before it had really started. Scotland charts the rise of a modern-day Scotland great, from Clydebank council pitches to football's grandest stage.

Set up Sport website and app to show you more Scotland this World Cup Published2 days agoMcGinn in the form of his life and now dancing to Scotland's tune Published2 days agoInside the fairytale journey of Scotland captain Robertson Published3 days agoRed ash, mum the coach & 'no ball games'Before you tell the story of the Villa midfielder, there is a tale to be told about a family deeply ingrained in football. The chances of a youngster in the UK achieving their dream of making it in the professional game are lower than 1%, so it is quite something for McGinn and his two older brothers to have all managed it. Paul, a former postman, played at Queen's Park alongside Scotland internationals Andy Robertson and Lawrence Shankland.

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He is now captain of a thriving Motherwell side. His other older brother, Stephen, who also played for St Mirren, seems destined for a successful coaching career given the impressive work he has done as part of Falkirk's backroom team. His late grandfather, Jack, was Scottish FA president and Celtic chairman.

His mum, Mary, taught her youngest son at school and even coached his school team. Born and raised in a working-class area on the outskirts of Glasgow, McGinn takes pride in the fact his rise has taken a different path from many Premier League players. He buzzed about the streets of Clydebank while his brothers tried to make their way in the game.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.