John McGinn cites Celtic inspiration in preparation for first Champions League involvement

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Celtic are one of 36 teams vying for progression in the new Champions League format that will see some of Europe’s finest sides enter the ring.

Admittedly, the new Swiss-style league table was a little confusing at first, but it has the potential to liven up the competition and produce some stunning games of football.

Aston Villa are one of Celtic’s opponents in the league phase, producing a battle of Scotland vs England that nobody of a green and white persuasion will want to miss in January.

Coming in as the last fixture on the list, the Bhoys will take on Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb and Young Boys before heading to Birmingham.

Despite this, Villans captain John McGinn is taking some inspiration from his boyhood heroes as he looks forward to his own involvement in the Champions League.

John McGinn’s Celtic mention ahead of Champions League bow

Aston Villa take on Young Boys this evening in their first instalment of league phase action, and McGinn has admitted he has watched on with envy as his Celtic counterparts have received their official competition match wear and balls ahead of featuring in the star-studded Champions League.

He stated [The Mirror]: “Everyone talks about wanting to hear the anthem – and I’m no different – but I’m more excited to be playing with the bibs and the balls.

“I’ve watched the Celtic lads wear them for years. No, we got them for the first time after the Everton game on Sunday morning. I can’t tell you how proud and happy that made me.”

Despite being a minor detail, you want to savour every moment in the Champions League, and looking the part is also important, as it can make you feel like you belong on the big stage.

McGinn has shone for the Scottish national team over several years, it is nice to see him get an opportunity to feature in Europe’s top competition. However, 67 Hail Hail is a Celtic platform, so the main concern is how our Bhoys fare in the league phase.

Excitement is building ahead of what could be a momentous campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ men. Hopefully, by the time Celtic head south of the border in January 2025, they will have already put themselves in a position to secure progression.