John McGinn: Aston Villa star slammed by Scottish media as 40% stat vs Morocco speaks volumes

Aston Villa captain John McGinn was not at his usual best as Scotland were beaten 1-0 by Morocco on Saturday in Boston.

The 31-year-old started on the right of the attack and was instantly chasing the game with his team after Ismael Saibari's second-minute goal.

Scotland's defeat has left them in the precarious position of having to beat Brazil if they are to qualify to the round of 32 in group C's top two.

McGinn scored the winner as Scotland won their opening game against Haiti last week, building off the back of a hugely impressive season for Villa.

The midfielder scored 10 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for Unai Emery's team, signing a new contract in November.

Everton had a bid rejected for McGinn last summer, and they may well try their hand again in the coming months.

FULL TIME: Scotland 0-1 Morocco.

A narrow defeat in Boston.#SCOMAR | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/AEy7df8uph

From the get go against Morocco, Scotland looked to be on the back foot.

Saibari's opener was a nightmare start, and the African champions threatened to build on their lead in several moments.

Even after letting the reins loose in the second half, Scotland failed to generate any clear chances and could not find a single shot on target.

Their solitary big chance fell to McGinn, with Andy Robertson's whipped cross finding the midfielder at the back post. It would have taken incredible technique to finish, however, and it was sliced by the 31-year-old.

MCGINN MISSES A HUGE CHANCE! SCO 0 -1 MAR #SCOMAR pic.twitter.com/1SKg6vUSE6

The Villa captain did create a chance on the night, but misplaced four of his 10 passes and was dispossessed once.

The Scottish Sun were brutal in their assessment of McGinn's performance, and wrote that he was among a trio that "had virtually no impact from middle to front in the first 45 minutes."

The Scotsman were similarly disappointed in the midfielder, awarding him a five out of 10 and writing that he had "little end product".

Against Haiti, McGinn had featured from the left and was flanked by the overlapping Robertson.

There, he thrived and delivered a stunning performance that earned Scotland the three points.

John McGinn becomes the first Scotsman to score at a World Cup since Craig Burley in 1998 pic.twitter.com/6i8T9OrRef

Against Morocco, however, Steve Clarke's preference for safety saw him start both Robertson and Kieran Tierney on the left, while McGinn was shifted out to the right.

The 31-year-old struggled for the same impact on the other side, although his display is far from excusable.