Celtic ace Scott Bain reacts to Brendan Rodgers interest in signing John McGinn

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Celtic are reportedly keen on Hibernian ace John McGinn.

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Hibernian midfielder John McGinn has the mentality and quality to be a success if the Bhoys do sign him.

McGinn, 23, joined Hibs from St Mirren back in 2015, and has become a key player at Easter Road, racking up more than 130 appearances for Hibs whilst bagging 16 goals.

A relentless midfielder who is now a regular in the Scotland international squad, McGinn has excelled since his move to Edinburgh – but his time with Hibs may be coming to an end.

McGinn’s contract expires next summer, and Hibs may be forced to sell this summer in order to prevent losing him for free at the end of next season.

Celtic are leading the race for his signature, but did fail with one bid for him earlier this week, with STV reporting that a £1.5million offer was thrown out by Hibs.

Celtic are expected to return with a new offer soon, but it’s unclear just how much Hibs want for McGinn given the contract situation hanging over him.

Now, Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain – who worked with McGinn briefly at Hibs last season – has told The Scottish Sun that a strong mentality is needed to play for Celtic, and McGinn certainly has that.

Bain feels that McGinn will fit in well at Celtic if a deal is done, and threw his support behind Brendan Rodgers’ attempts to bring him to Glasgow this summer.

“John has a strong mentality and that’s one of the biggest aspects of playing for Celtic,” said Bain. “The levels demanded of you are so much higher than everywhere else that you need to be on it every day. I think John definitely has the mentality to handle that. Some players just love the big occasion and and he has shown that in his career. John is a good player. Everyone has seen how powerful and strong he is, and he can pass the ball. I have known John for a while and I played with both his brothers too. I don’t think joining Celtic would faze John. He has good character. He believes in his own ability and has the quality to back it up.”

“John would fit in at Celtic and I think it’s always good to have that Scottish core at a club like this. They know the values and what it means to play for the club. John is just a great lad to have about any club. Any player coming to Celtic would also learn a lot from the manager. If they are prepared to work and listen to the gaffer, they will improve ten-fold,” he added.