John McGinn is ‘desperate’ to play for Celtic as Charlie Mulgrew makes inside knowledge clear

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There isn’t a Celtic fan who doesn’t know about the infamous John McGinn storyline of 2018.

With the Hoops off the back of a double treble, Brendan Rodgers wanted to strengthen his midfield – and he didn’t need to look far for his top target.

McGinn had scored a brace at Celtic Park and a winner at Ibrox for Hibs in the previous season, establishing himself as one of the standout players in Scotland.

Everyone knew that Celtic wanted him, but Hibs boss Neil Lennon made it clear that their asking price hadn’t been met. He eventually moved to Aston Villa.

McGinn has since guided Villa all the way from the Championship to the Champions League, becoming one of the most influential Scotland players of his generation.

But his affinity for Celtic hasn’t gone away, as one Hoops hero has reiterated.

Charlie Mulgrew on John McGinn’s desire to play for Celtic

Aged 30, McGinn is about to hit the 300-appearance mark for Villa.

He also received an 80th international cap on Thursday – and his Scotland goal tally of 20 is bettered only by Kenny Dalglish.

READ MORE: Peter Grant says what should have been ‘much more clear’ at Celtic fan board meeting

This is a player with incredible pedigree, that which would typically be unattainable for Celtic in their current position.

But with two years remaining on his Villa contract, will McGinn prioritise an eventual move to Celtic just as Kieran Tierney did? Charlie Mulgrew has made his knowledge clear.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Mulgrew said: “Listen, John McGinn would’ve loved to have went to Celtic. I know John McGinn personally, his whole family are Celtic fans, but it just didn’t happen for whatever reason.

“I think it’s definitely going to be in his head [to sign for Celtic.] When you’re brought up in Glasgow, the only teams that you see are Celtic and Rangers – and for you, that’s the pinnacle of football.

“I’d picture myself growing up in the streets of Glasgow, picturing myself scoring Rangers, that was my dream. That was the top of the world of football for me.

“Because that was all I had seen – I know now that there’s bigger games, but to then eventually score against Rangers and feel that, I know John McGinn will be desperate to do that. Whether that happens or not, I just don’t know.”

How would John McGinn fit in at Celtic?

McGinn is a versatile player with unique attributes. Few players can deal with his strength when holding off the ball – he has made shielding the ball and winning fouls his trademark at the highest level.

He’s more than just a backside, though. McGinn’s energy when driving with the ball is relentless, and he has consistently shown his eye for goal on the international stage.

Whilst Celtic would certainly be a different environment for him with different priorities domestically, he could be an extremely helpful addition in Europe.

But regardless of the player’s desire, any transfer remains a pipe dream and just that at the moment.

There was interest from Newcastle in the summer, and Unai Emery has shown no signs that he’s willing to part with his senior midfielder.