Rangers legend Ally McCoist admitted to being ‘delighted’ that John McGinn chose Aston Villa over Celtic in the summer of 2018, while speaking to talkSPORT (25 February, 8.30am).
Where would the Hoops be right now if they had won the race for arguably Scotland’s finest footballer nearly three years ago?
As it stands, a now-managerless Celtic side are facing three months of face-saving dead-rubbers; out of the cup, out of Europe and trailing runaway Premiership leaders Rangers by 18 points, their ten-in-a-row dreams crumbling to dust.
Meanwhile, south of the border, the irrepressible McGinn continues to shine at the heart of an upwardly-mobile Aston Villa side. Celtic’s loss has most certainly been Dean Smith’s gain.
It is no secret that Celtic were desperate to sign the former Hibernian talisman during the final few months of Brendan Rodgers’ trophy-laden reign (BBC).
But the Glasgow giants were pipped to the post by Aston Villa in August 2018 – much to the relief of a Rangers legend.
“I’m delighted, I’m still thrilled and I still count by blessings that wee John McGinn didn’t go to Celtic because I think he’s a top, top player,” said McCoist, as the sweet smell of champagne fills the Ibrox air.
“I just think the Celtic fans felt let down, understandably let down, that he went to Villa before Celtic.”
Aston Villa paid a bargain £2 million to sign a 23-year-old McGinn. According to the Sun, the Scotland international would cost closer to £50 million these days.
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