McGinn's Goggles Celebration Raises Awareness for Children's Eyesight

When John McGinn scored Scotland's first men's World Cup goal in 28 years in the 1-0 win over Haiti, the Aston Villa midfielder celebrated in customary fashion. Mimicking goggles with his hands turned upside down, the toast of the Tartan Army is raising awareness for his nephew Jack, who needs goggles to play football because of his poor eyesight. McGinn and his goggles have gone worldwide in recent days, with his name ringing out on the streets of Boston and on the Fenway Park bleachers. And the 31-year-old does not want any kids in Scotland - or indeed anywhere - to be put off being themselves, hence his iconic celebration.

"It was for the last major tournament when I didn't score," McGinn told ITV Sport, when asked for the meaning behind the goggles. "It was at the time where Jack was having serious discussions about his eyesight. It's probably as strong a lens as you can get for a child. When he takes his glasses off, you can see how much he struggles.

"But it's not just the reaction from him, and allowing him to be more comfortable playing football with his pals. It's the awareness for young kids all around Scotland, all around the world."

McGinn, 31, says he harbours regrets about sometimes teasing other kids in his own youth for wearing glasses, now that he appreciates how challenging it can be. And he also told how parents have got in touch with him about the positive impact it has made on their children's lives. He said: "A lot of parents have got in contact and said 'you've inspired my son to keep his goggles on' or 'you've inspired my kids to have their eyes tested'.

"If my celebration brings awareness to that then that's the main thing. To do it on the world's biggest stage was special."