Stephen McGinn: It was obvious Che Adams had slipped through the net. There was a star in there, bursting to get out

Stephen McGinn was at Sheffield United the day Che Adams experienced professional football for the first time.

The striker joined the then League One outfit from Northern Premier League side, Ilkeston, and knew he had to show manager, Nigel Clough, and some seasoned operators that he deserved to be in their company.

After two training sessions, McGinn could tell there was something special about teenager Adams.

That was back in 2014. Now, seven years on, Adams has been a surprise selection by Scotland boss, Steve Clarke, in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands.

Show up well in these, and the 24-year-old – who qualifies for Scotland through a grandparent – will be in the frame for this summer’s Euros.

After moving to Birmingham City from Bramall Lane, Adams is now performing in the English Premier League for Southampton.

That surprises McGinn not one bit.

He told The Sunday Post: “I remember Che’s move to Sheffield very well.

“He had made a name for himself as a goalscorer at Ilkeston, and a number of teams were watching him.

“Nigel Clough got him to Sheffield United and, as is the case at all clubs, the lads wanted to see just how good Che was.

“There is extra pressure, I feel, when a player comes into a senior club from non-league football.

“But Che made an instant impression.

“After a couple of days, it was obvious that he was one that had slipped through the net, for whatever reason, and was now in his rightful place.

“I felt there was a star in there, and he was bursting to get out and make a name for himself.

“Well, he has certainly done so now.

“But back then, while he was assured, he wasn’t arrogant, or overly confident.

“He was grounded, and he just wanted to improve to go higher in the game.

“He was a good lad, and a willing listener.

“Che had good attributes. He was brave, and definitely had an eye for goal. He’d also work hard in training, and put in extra sessions.

“I followed his career, as I do with all former team-mates, and I’m really pleased to see him doing well at Southampton.

“He has worked his way up through the leagues, and is doing very well at the highest possible level.

“From the outside looking in, Steve Clarke and his staff have put in a good bit of work to convince Che to pledge himself to Scotland.

“I now hope he plays in the games in the next few days, and is selected for the Euros.

“He has it in his locker to be a star for Scotland, and do very well in the summer.

“We have options at No. 9, but you can never have enough quality to choose from when it comes to goalscorers.

“Lyndon Dykes was superb after deciding to opt for Scotland. He will want to kick on again at QPR for the rest of this season.

“Kevin Nisbet is also in Steve Clarke’s squad for the next three games.

“I know him from Hibs, and he is also very, very good. He has clever movement and can score goals, that’s for sure.”

The strongest part of Clarke’s team is in the midfield area, where Stephen’s young brother, John, plays.

Stephen is delighted with his progress for club and country in recent years, and said: “I am very proud of John. We all are.

“When I look at his career five or six years ago when he was a boy – leaving St Mirren and looking for options – to where he is now, it’s incredible.

“He has risen to the top, and it’s down to his desire and hard work. He also has very good ability.

“John has just played his 100th game for Aston Villa, and they have been delighted with the contribution he has made to their club in the past three years.

“It’s been sensational.

“Every time a challenge is put in front of John, he meets it head on and comes through it with flying colours.

“He is part of a strong Villa side, with the likes of Jack Grealish in it, and I know he has a great working relationship with the manager, Dean Smith.

“There is also more to come from John.

“There is much more improvement in him and he will continue to get better and more and more influential.

“He is very proud to play for Scotland, and he will be desperate for the Euros to start.

“It is the dream of every footballer to play for their country in a major tournament, and John is very close to doing it with Scotland in the summer.

“We all hope the Tartan Army is allowed into Hampden, and that Glasgow will still be a host city.

“But we will wait and see on that. Final confirmation hasn’t been ticked off yet, and we all keep our fingers crossed.”

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Stephen is currently on loan at Greenock Morton from Hibs.

He joined Gus MacPherson at Cappielow last weekend, and hopes to help the club climb to safety and preserve their Championship status.

The 32-year-old midfielder said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Hibs, and working for Jack Ross has been brilliant.

“But I felt that I wanted to play a bit more football, and Jack was very understanding.

“I know Gus very well from our days at St Mirren.

“When the chance to join him on loan was put to me, I was keen to explore it.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead, and we just need to work hard and show that bit of quality when it matters to get positive results.

“The Championship is extremely competitive and there isn’t a lot between most of the teams.

“That shows in the League table, and how tight it is between seven or eight of the clubs.

“I’m enjoying training every day and will do my best in the coming weeks.

“I can then can assess everything after that.”