Jack tips McGinn to replace Christie against Haiti

John McGinn has been tipped to start in Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti in place of Ryan Christie by former international team-mate Ryan Jack.

Aston Villa 31-year-old McGinn started on the bench in Saturday's 4-0 win over Bolivia, replacing his Bouremouth counterpart on the left of a midfield four after the break.

"For me, John is going to play," Esenler Erokspor midfielder Jack, who was part of Steve Clarke's squad for the Euro 2024 finals, told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast.

"It looks like Steve is going to go 4-4-2 for the first game. I think he will want [Ben] Gannon-Doak on the left for his pace and creativity, so maybe John will come in for Ryan. He made that change in the friendly.

"It is a good selection headache to have."

Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson, who has just taken over as head coach with Chinese Super League club Shenzhen Peng City, thinks McGinn has to play given his strong campaign helping Aston Villa finish fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.

"Probably the reason why John McGinn didn't start the game is because he's had injuries throughout the season," he told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think they might put John on the right-hand side because he played there for Aston Villa in the cup final I think. Put him there, put Doke on the left because he's comfortable out there."

Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn agreed that McGinn must start ahead of Christie but suggested "I've got a sneaky feeling it might be Kenny McLean beside Scott McTominay in the middle" instead of Lewis Ferguson, with John McGinn on the left.