Hibernian assistant manager Garry Parker has confirmed that Scottish rivals Celtic have tabled a bid for midfield maestro John McGinn but revealed his immediate plans were to be playing for his current club.
The Hoops were reported earlier in the week to have made an offer for Hibs’ 23-year-old star as he enters the final year of his contract after his impressive form north of the border last season.
The nine-cap Scotland international scored six goals and provided eight assists for his team mates from the centre of the park, but despite the reigning champions offering for his services, Neil Lennon’s second-in-command insisted his attentions lay at Easter Road.
Parker told the Daily Record: “Celtic have submitted a bid as we all know but John is our player at the moment. I don’t know what price we would be looking for. You would need to ask the board.
“But nothing fazes John, he will be playing on Sunday (in Paul Hanlon’s testimonial against Blackburn) and we are looking forward to that ahead of a big game against Runavik.
“Tongues will always be wagging but John was just being rested (against Berwick).”
Opinion
Just in case fans did not believe what they were reading in the papers, Celtic’s bid for McGinn has been confirmed by a senior figure at Easter Road. However, it is unsurprising to hear Parker say that the player’s full attentions lie on what he has to do for his current side, and that is probably true. McGinn knows that he will likely be leaving the club this summer, with just a year left on his contract, and that after his impressive performances last season a notable club would come in for his signing. Whether that is Celtic, or perhaps a Championship side from England, no one knows as yet, and until a bid is tabled that Hibs are happy to accept, he will continue to do his best for his team mates. As for the Hoops’ interest, Stuart Armstrong’s exit does leave a gap in the first team set up and it looks as though McGinn has been chosen as the man to fill the void. Will he live up to expectations? Only time will tell.