‘CASH IN ON MCGINN? YOU MUST BE JOKING’

DEAN SMITH has told big clubs eyeing up Aston Villa star John Mcginn: You are wasting your time.

Mcginn’s sparkling form, since his bargain £2.75million move from Scottish side Hibs just over 12 months ago, has seen his value skyrocket.

Villa boss Smith is well aware Manchester United have the Scotland midfielder on their radar. But even with figures of £50m being thrown into the mix, Smith (right) reckons his man is priceless.

The 25-year-old was the driving force behind Villa’s promotion last season and has made the step into the Premier League look like a walk in the park with three goals already.

Mcginn hit a hat-trick in his country’s 6-0 thrashing of San Marino (top) last weekend, and Smith said: “The big clubs can come calling but they’ll get a short, swift reply! He’s a player we want here at Aston Villa.

“His value shot up from the moment he stepped out onto the Villa Park pitch and showed just what a player he is.

“He has an unbelievable energy level and a big, big heart, but people don’t see the technical side of it as well – he’s got that in abundance.

“He’s a really top player and pivotal to us getting promoted last season. He’s continued that form in the Premier League and his value would have certainly shot up.”

Smith says Mcginn is the joker in the pack, who lights up his dressing room with an infectious personality, and heaped praise on former boss Steve Bruce for a shrewd piece of business.

He added: “I was very fortunate that I took over with John already here. Steve had brought him in, and he was a great signing, who had already settled into the dressing room.

“Personality, characterwise, the lads love him!”

Smith says Mcginn has shown Scottish players have what it takes to cut it in the Premier League.

Ahead of today’s clash with Brighton, he added: “There are a lot of players who have played in Scotland who are down in the Premier League now. The step can certainly be made and John will be the first to tell you that.”