“All I ever dreamed about was playing for Celtic,” John McGinn

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·27. November 2024

“All I ever dreamed about was playing for Celtic,” John McGinn

Scotland hero John McGinn has confessed that he would dream of playing for Celtic when he was younger as he opened the door to a switch later in his career…

John McGinn celebrates scoring with teammate Anthony Ralston during the UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Croatia at Hampden on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Speaking with Darrell Currie on Premier Sport’s ‘The Scottish Football Social Club’, McGinn was asked about playing for his boyhood club. The 30-year-old didn’t give too much away – rightly as he’s an Aston Villa player – but he kept the door open for a potential switch in the future.

OneFootball Videos

“All I ever dreamed about was playing for Celtic”

“When I was young all I ever dreamed about was playing for Celtic and didn’t ever see myself playing for Aston Villa. But I have got two-and-a-half years left at Villa, whether that sees me off or if I’ve still got something left in the tank we will see. You never know.”

James Jego of Hibernian vies with John McGinn of Aston Villa during the UEFA Conference League Qualifying Play-Offs First Leg between Hibernian v Aston Villa at Easter Road on August 23, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Aston Villa captain will lead his side out beside his longstanding Scotland midfield colleague Callum McGregor in January; however, it could have been very different for both players as Brendan Rodgers pursued the Hibs midfielder in the summer of 2018 as he looked to add McGinn to his midfield with Stuart Armstrong expected to leave.

Celtic couldn’t reach an agreement with Hibs

Celtic weren’t quick enough and Steve Bruce’s Villa swooped to sign McGinn to the Championship side, where he’s gone from strength to strength. McGinn had reportedly agreed personal terms with Celtic and even discussed his role with Brendan Rodgers but the clubs couldn’t find a breakthrough. It was apparently one of the factors behind Brendan leaving for Leicester City in February 2019.

John McGinn celebrates scoring with teammate Anthony Ralston during the UEFA Nations League match between Scotland and Croatia at Hampden on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Euan Cherry/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Celtic will be hoping to ensure that they are in a strong position for qualification to the next phase of the UCL when the teams meet at Villa Park in January. Celtic host Club Brugge this evening knowing that three points would put Brendan’s side in an excellent position for securing a place in the play-off positions.