The English Premier League is one of the most-watched and followed leagues in the world.
There are many Celtic connections inside England’s top-flight. From former players, ex-academy stars and boyhood fans trying to make a name for themselves on such a big stage.
Whether that’s Celtic hero Matt O’Riley to former academy player Ben Doak at Liverpool. They have all faced the heat of what it’s like playing for a club the size of Celtic.
But two men, with perhaps greater Celtic connections, who haven’t had the chance to don the senior colours are Andy Robertson and John McGinn.
Robertson has been a key player for Liverpool for several years now, and McGinn is the captain of Villa, including playing against the Scottish champions in Europe’s elite competition last season.
But could they play for Celtic one day?
Andy Robertson and John McGinn playing for Celtic?
Robertson was on Celtic’s books as a youngster, but he didn’t make a first-team appearance before making a name for himself elsewhere.
Then you had the McGinn and Celtic transfer saga of 2018, but could their boyhood dreams finally come true?
It was suggested to Frank McAvennie whether the Premier League duo will play for the club ‘one day’, and the former Celtic man stated that it would be ‘great’ to see, as he told Let Me Be Frank Podcast.
McAvennie stated: “Andy has done brilliantly, hasn’t he (in his career). He got knocked back by Celtic. He was told that he wasn’t good enough. Fair play to the boy, he has dug in.”
Simon Houson then added: “You do wonder whether you will see Andy Robertson in the Hoops, at some point, before he finishes playing. Same with John McGinn as well.”
McAvennie then responded: “It would be great. It would be great to see him and Tierney. One at centre-half, and one (at left-back).”
McGinn’s interesting response to playing for Celtic one day
You can’t see McGinn leaving Villa anytime soon, but the 30-year-old’s contract in the Midlands will expire in 2027, and it will be interesting to see if he pens a new deal.
Back in November, before Celtic’s Champions League clash at Villa, McGinn was asked about playing for his boyhood club.
Speaking on Premier Sports, the all-action midfielder didn’t rule it out and stated, ‘never say never’.
“Great question, cheers for that! I wasn’t expecting that on a Monday night,” stated McGinn. “You never say never, obviously, when I was young, all I dreamed about was playing for Celtic.
“I didn’t ever see myself playing for Aston Villa, but life happens, football changes, and I’ve got two and a half years left to go at Villa. Whether that sees me off or I’ve still got some left in the tank (it remains to be seen).”
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