John Terry comments on Celtic missing out on John McGinn

Follow us on Google Discover

Celtic missed out on Aston Villa star John McGinn last year.

Aston Villa coach John Terry has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Celtic really missed out on midfielder John McGinn.

A year ago, McGinn had come off a strong season with Hibernian, and it was clear that Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign him for Celtic.

Some Bhoys fans weren’t sure McGinn had the necessary quality to play for Celtic, especially as he had been touted as a long-term heir to Scott Brown, but Rodgers was convinced.

Celtic made three bids for McGinn according to Sky Sports, going as far as £2million before Villa swooped in with £2.75million – and by the time Celtic had matched the bid, McGinn had decided to join Villa (Daily Record).

Losing out to a Championship side wasn’t a great look for Celtic, and it continues to look like a major error, as McGinn helped fire Villa to the Premier League this past season.

The 24-year-old is a fan favourite at Villa Park, not just because of his seven goals and nine assists last season, but also for his relentless work rate in Dean Smith’s midfield.

McGinn’s sensational displays have now resulted in speculation about his future, with The Sun bizarrely claiming that Manchester United want McGinn, but Villa now value him at £50million – some increase on the money Celtic wanted to spend a year ago.

Now, Villa coach Terry has celebrated the transfer, claiming that Celtic have really missed out on McGinn, but he’s just thankful that Steve Bruce managed to sign him, and believes other Scottish players can make a similar impact – Celtic will just have to hope that if they come head-to-head with Villa for any of them, they actually win the battles.

“Celtic have missed one there, for sure,” said Terry. “There were a few clubs in for him but Steve Bruce managed to get it over the line and get him in at Villa, which is great for us. We are delighted to have him because he is an integral part of our squad now.”

“Down south people watch Scottish football. John McGinn is a prime example that there is talent up there and there is probably more to come out of it as well,” he added.