John McGinn of Hibernian FC has sparked a tug of war between the two sides of the Old Firm derby this summer. Both Celtic and Rangers are believed to be interested in the talented midfielder, who is away on the other side of the Atlantic, active on national duty for Scotland. When asked about the intense rumours that have been going on, McGinn said: “I am glad to be on the other side of the world at the moment if I am honest. I am aware of what’s going on and what’s being said.”
“I wake up each morning to different speculation but that’s something I can’t control. Being over here with Scotland has allowed me to focus on training and the matches and it has been a big help. The speculation is there but when I wake up over here, on the back of the time difference, it has died down again so it’s good to get away from it.”
“I took a holiday before coming here and this trip has taken my mind off everything else that’s being said about me. I still have a year to go at Hibs and I love it there. It will need to take something really special to come along. The speculation is going to come, I just have to deal with it because it is all part of football.
“The speculation is only there because I have been playing well. As a team, we have been different class but you must be doing something right when you see your name linked with all these clubs.”
The player will have to decide over the summer where he wants to end up but should he join Celtic, we feel he can be a good replacement for Stuart Armstrong. Armstrong is keen to play Premier League football and it is being believed that Brendan Rodgers’ men are ready to let him leave this season for a certain fee rather than face a contract stand-off and lose him for free next year (he only has one year left on his current contract).
The 26-year-old penned only a new one year contract with the Hoops after lengthy discussions and it is now being reported that Brendan Rodgers is ready to cut his losses and move him on by cashing in on the player. The Scottish international has already fallen down the pecking order at the club, starting only 15 games last season for the Hoops.
Should he move on after playing for Celtic for three and a half years, the Hoops will need a strong replacement to adjust their team. McGinn, we feel, could be just the man to come in and take over the mantle. He, like Armstrong, is a Scottish international and is one of the coolest customers in the middle of the park.
The player has a calm head on his shoulders, can make key passes from midfield and has a habit of delivering the goods for his club when needed, He would fit in perfectly in a Celtic side who are young and energetic and more importantly, winners.
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It remains to be seen now if Rodgers has a similar plan in his mind and brings in McGinn to replace Stuart Armstrong.
