John McGinn scored twice as Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 at Barclays Hampden in the UEFA Nations League, a result that gave head coach Sebastien Pocognoli his first home win in charge. The Aston Villa midfielder broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, only for striker Elmin Rastoder to level for the visitors three minutes later, before McGinn converted a penalty in the 73rd minute to settle the match.

The brace took McGinn's international goal tally to 24, joining Hughie Gallacher as joint-third on Scotland's all-time list. He is now six goals short of Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law. Visiting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski had denied the Scots three times in a goalless first half, and Billy Gilmour missed an open goal from eight yards before McGinn's opener.S1S2

Captain Andy Robertson equalled Sir Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 caps and is expected to break it outright when Scotland face Switzerland in St Gallen on Monday. Scotland sit on seven points from five fixtures, one behind second-placed Slovenia, who drew 0-0 at home to Group B1 winners Switzerland. McGinn said he had the record in the back of his mind but that the team's results had come first, adding that he was delighted to return to scoring after a dry spell over the past year or two.S1S2

Pocognoli fielded a reshaped defence, with Stoke centre-back Luke Graham making his first Scotland start and Ryan Porteous returning as a late call-up. Scott McTominay was back in the squad and starting after a heart issue, and Torino striker Che Adams also started after missing the previous camp. McGinn, 32, said he intended to take things year by year and credited modern facilities at Aston Villa for helping him stay fit.S1S2