Scotland midfielder John McGinn has targeted maximum points from two games ahead of a “huge week” for the national team.
The Scots host Lithuania at Hampden on Saturday night in World Cup qualifying group F before travelling to play Slovakia a week today.
The Hibs player acknowledged that neither fixture is likely to be a gimme for Gordon Strachan’s men but he is still hopeful that they can build on the ultimately convincing victory in Malta last month that put them top of the table.
McGinn, who will join his squad mates at their Mar Hall training base in Renfrewshire today, said: “It is a huge week for us and one we are all looking forward to.
“We have two really big games coming up.
“We made a great start in Malta so we need to carry that on.
“To win the opening game 5-1 was pleasing and it has given us a base from which to kick on.
“We have good players so if we play to our best over the coming week then we will have a good chance.
“We would like six points.
“It doesn’t always work out like that but we will be looking to get three points on Saturday and hopefully take it from there.
“It’s a tough group – everyone knows that – but we have the players in this country to make an impact.
“For example, Oliver Burke is doing so well in Germany and hopefully a few of us can follow his lead in the campaign.”
McGinn didn’t get the greatest of boosts going into his international duty, with his club only drawing 1-1 at home with Dundee United on Sunday.
However, he aims to put the disappointment felt behind him.
He said: “It will be good for me to get away with Scotland.
“I would much rather be going there on the back of three points and a good individual performance against United.
“To go there with neither is disappointing.
“Hopefully I can train well and get involved in the game.
“I am just delighted to be in the squad.
“I know how hard it is to get in there because there are some good players who haven’t even made it in.
“I’ve just got to go and show that I deserve to be there.
“Whoever the manager decides to go with I will support them.”
While the furore surrounding group rivals England and the departure of their manager Sam Allardyce has grabbed the attention of football people north of the border, McGinn insisted the Scots are only focusing on what’s happening with their own team.
He said: “It’s obviously interesting from an English point of view but we have to concentrate on ourselves.”
