My friend Andy Robertson is close to making Scottish history—but I’m aiming to surpass him.

Andy Robertson is preparing to make Scotland history, but John McGinn has already made it clear that he wants to take things even further.

The Scotland captain is on the brink of winning his 100th international cap, a milestone that will put him alongside some of the most celebrated players ever to represent the nation. When Robertson reaches the landmark against North Macedonia in Skopje on Saturday night, he will become only the latest member of an exclusive group, while also moving closer to overtaking legendary former Scotland captain Sir Kenny Dalglish as the country’s most capped player.

For McGinn, however, Robertson’s achievement is not simply something to admire from a distance. The Aston Villa midfielder wants to follow his close friend’s example and potentially surpass his total one day.

Andy Robertson and John McGinn(Image: Getty Images)

Robertson’s journey has been extraordinary. Four decades have passed since Dalglish reached 100 caps, collecting his 102nd appearance during Scotland’s victory over Luxembourg at Hampden in November 1986. Now Robertson is about to enter the same territory, with a chance to move beyond Dalglish when Scotland face Switzerland in St Gallen next month.

McGinn believes his teammate deserves every moment of recognition. The pair have shared almost their entire international journey, experiencing both the most difficult and most memorable periods of recent Scottish football.

They have suffered through disappointing campaigns and difficult nights, but they have also experienced the highs of reaching major tournaments under former manager Steve Clarke. Scotland qualified for two European Championships and a World Cup, achievements that once appeared difficult to imagine.

Their friendship stretches back even further. McGinn and Robertson faced one another during their youth football days, when they represented St Mirren and Queen’s Park respectively. Neither could have imagined that those early encounters would eventually lead to them becoming Scotland’s captain and vice-captain.

Their careers also developed into the Premier League, with Robertson establishing himself at Liverpool and McGinn becoming a key figure at Aston Villa. Robertson’s international career has now brought him to the threshold of 100 appearances, while McGinn is also moving toward the same milestone.

McGinn expects Robertson’s record to be challenged by several players from the current generation. He believes the successful period under Clarke helped a number of Scottish players accumulate appearances for their country, making it possible for others to approach or surpass the totals of previous legends.

Speaking before the North Macedonia match, McGinn praised Robertson while jokingly warning his Scotland teammate that he intends to chase him.

McGinn reflected on the difficult moments they had shared as Scotland internationals, as well as the successes that followed. For him, there remains no greater honour than representing the country, and he believes both players could potentially reach 120 or even 125 caps.

He described Robertson’s rise as remarkable, particularly because the defender once faced rejection at youth level. Robertson was overlooked for Scotland’s Under-21 squad before eventually forcing his way into the senior team. His career subsequently developed at an astonishing rate, leading him to major success at club and international level.

Scotland hero John McGinn(Image: SNS Group)

McGinn believes Robertson’s story can provide encouragement to young Scottish footballers who experience rejection. Players who find themselves working outside the professional game or questioning whether their dreams are achievable can look at Robertson’s career and understand that setbacks do not necessarily determine their future.

The Villa midfielder also praised Robertson’s leadership. He believes his captain has become an example for the entire Scotland squad and hopes young players at clubs such as St Mirren and Queen’s Park can look at their journeys and believe that similar achievements are possible.

McGinn wants future generations to aim even higher. Rather than simply attempting to copy what he and Robertson have achieved, he encouraged young players to dream about reaching extraordinary totals, mentioning Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo as examples of players who have enjoyed remarkably long international careers.

The midfielder’s admiration for Robertson extends beyond his performances and achievements. McGinn highlighted the defender’s commitment to international duty, particularly during his most successful years at Liverpool. Even when Robertson was carrying injuries or was not operating at full fitness, he regularly made himself available for Scotland.

McGinn said Robertson sometimes played despite being only 60 or 70 percent fit, refusing to use his physical condition as an excuse to stay away. That attitude, he believes, has helped establish a culture based on commitment, responsibility and a willingness to put the national team first.

McGinn described Robertson in one word: driven. He believes that mentality has been central to the defender’s rise, from being overlooked at youth level to becoming a Champions League winner and playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Robertson’s international career began in March 2014 while he was still with Dundee United. Scott Brown scored the winning goal for Gordon Strachan’s Scotland side in the match that introduced Robertson to senior international football.

McGinn believes Robertson has earned every cap through his determination and performances. He recalled how the defender was initially considered surplus to requirements at Under-21 level, only to use that disappointment as motivation to prove himself.

Now, as Robertson prepares to make his 100th Scotland appearance, McGinn hopes the team can mark the occasion with a victory. He knows the milestone will receive plenty of attention, but believes Robertson’s priority will remain the same as always: helping Scotland collect three points.

For McGinn, the night should celebrate more than a number. Robertson’s century represents persistence, sacrifice, belief and an international career built over more than a decade. It is also a reminder that football careers can change dramatically when players refuse to accept early rejection.

Robertson has already inspired his Scotland teammates, and McGinn wants the next generation to use his journey as motivation. As his friend prepares to enter the 100-cap club, McGinn is not simply celebrating the achievement. He is setting his own target, hoping that one day he can chase Robertson beyond the century mark and continue Scotland’s tradition of producing players capable of reaching extraordinary international milestones.