Dean Smith comments on Aston Villa’s John McGinn

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John McGinn has enjoyed a brilliant first campaign since signing for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has praised midfielder John McGinn at his latest press conference, which was broadcast on his side’s official Youtube channel.

McGinn won both Aston Villa’s players and supporters Player of the Season award earlier this week.

The accolades recognised just how important McGinn has been in his first season at Villa, where he has become a fans’ favourite already.

Villa supporters often joke about McGinn’s work-rate before games, suggesting that he must run marathons in training.

And Smith says that all the jokes about McGinn’s fitness levels make him chuckle.

“He’s a joy to coach and to manage,” Smith said. “You know what you’re going to get from him. If he dips below a 7/10, you’re very surprised.

“It does make me laugh when I hear rumours that he’s ran marathons before the game as well.”

McGinn is going to be left out of Villa’s final game of the season, as Smith does not want to risk him getting suspended.

McGinn has picked up 14 yellow cards this season, and one more booking would mean that he has to miss the play offs.

Villa’s final game of the campaign comes against Norwich City on Sunday.