Clydebank’s John McGinn was given a Royal nod at the weekend following his match-winning display for Aston Villa.

The Hardgate boy backed up a strong showing against English Premier League champions Manchester City during the week by firing Villa to third with the only goal against title-chasing Arsenal.

And, as the Aston Villa social media team caught McGinn’s celebrations in toasting the 1-0 win, the post was retweeted by well-known Villa fans the Prince and Princess of Wales William and Kate.

The Royals are renowned for their support of the Birmingham-based club with future-king William confirming in a 2015 BBC interview he rejected supporting the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United to follow the Villains.

Prince William said at the time: “I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa has always had a great history."

Captain McGinn put on a Man of the Match display during the Arsenal triumph, not only scoring the winning goal but being first in tackles made, dribbles, possession won and duels won.

And it leaves Villa just two points from Liverpool in top spot, with many beginning to believe they can mount a Premier League title challenge.