Celtic have reportedly identified Hibs’ John McGinn as the long-term replacement for captain Scott Brown – and with good reason.
Scott Brown may have enjoyed a renaissance in the centre of Celtic’s midfield last season but the Scottish champions will know that they can’t rely on their long-serving skipper forever.
He is 32 years of age now and, although his distribution and intelligence in and out of possession made him integral to Brendan Rodgers’ passing philosophy last season, there’s a nagging feeling that he would struggle to have the same influence without the energetic Stuart Armstrong acting as foil.
Therefore, it makes sense for Celtic to plan ahead and identify players capable to replace the 54-time Scotland international. And, according to the Daily Express, Celtic believe 22-year-old John McGinn is the player capable of being Brown’s long-term successor in The Hoops’ engine room.
Like Brown, McGinn started his career with Hibernian and the latter has given the former his seal of approval after watching him closely on international duty.
“John McGinn is a fantastic player and maybe a little bit unlucky not to get his move that everyone was talking about but he’s a great addition to the Scotland squad,” Brown told the Edinburgh Times.
“He’s a strong boy and he’s got that directness about him. He can get past a man and works hard for the team. He is great to have in the squad.”
McGinn, who has won three caps for Scotland, has been linked with Celtic throughout the summer but they have plenty of competition. Ipswich Town reportedly made a bid, as did Championship rivals Nottingham Forest, as reported by Sky Sports.
Hibs boss Neil Lennon has brazenly valued McGinn at £5 million (The Mail) in a potential attempt to put off potential suitors but, if the youngster could replicate Brown and win seven Scottish Premiership titles in green and white, he will be worth every penny.
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