'When's he's bad, wow...' - Roy Keane launches astonishing criticism of Scotland World Cup star

Roy Keane has given his verdict on one of the key members of Steve Clarke's World Cup squad and it's not as generous as the player's reputation might suggest.

Keane's own World Cup history is more than a little spotty but he knows a thing or two about midfield players and he knows a good one when he sees one.

Scotland will take on Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in Group C, 28 years after facing Morocco and Brazil in their most recent World Cup finals appearance.

Clarke can draw upon the experience and leadership of a number of senior players operating at the highest levels in the club game.

Captain Andy Robertson is a multiple trophy winner with Liverpool, where he has just completed his final season, and Scott McTominay was the star player in Napoli's Serie A win in 2024-25 after leaving Manchester United.

John McGinn joined Aston Villa from Hibernian in 2018 and has been a crucial factor in their rise through the Championship play-offs to their Europa League win in Istanbul last month.

In the latest episode of Stick to Football, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher praised Villa boss Unai Emery's use of McGinn, who played most of the season from the right side of Emery's 4-2-3-1 system and has been in outstanding form since returning from injury.

Villa's results dipped badly in his absence but Keane's withering review of the Glaswegian's abilities was more about a perceived low floor.

"John's brilliant but he's one of these fellas, when he's bad, he does look like a pub player," said Keane.

"No, when he's off he looks shocking."

It's been a while since McGinn has plumbed those depths. Villa won a European trophy and finished fourth in the Premier League, and McGinn was both pivotal and consistent in both.

"I don't see him playing many bad games," said ex-England striker Ian Wright.

"No, but when's bad...wow," came Keane's forthright response.

"You'd have him in your group, of course, absolutely, and it's no surprise that Villa are doing well and he's at the forefront of that."

Will Scotland make history at the World Cup?

Joined as usual by Gary Neville, the former Premier League stars briefly analysed Scotland's hopes of progressing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history at the ninth attempt.

Keane was doubtful, arguing that it's their best chance yet but they're 'really up against it due to a lack of top-level quality and potentially problematic conditions.

Wright concurred on the basis that Clarke has had to name three goalkeepers who haven't been playing, including the oldest player at World Cup 2026.

Craig Gordon, 43, played just three times for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Angus Gunn played 45 Premier League minutes for Nottingham Forest and Liam Murphy of Rangers didn't play at all.

Scotland start their World Cup against Haiti on Saturday.