NO MYSTERY OVER McGINN
John was rested for big win says Hibs No.2
HIBS No.2 Garry Parker insists Celtic target John McGinn is unfazed by speculation surrounding his future after he missed this friendly win.
The sought-after midfielder was a notable absentee as Neil Lennon’s men thrashed Berwick thanks to Oli Shaw’s double and strikes from Simon Murray, David Gray, Steven Whittaker and Lewis Allan.
The Easter Road club are bracing themselves for a renewed offer from Hoops for prized asset McGinn but Parker says he was simply rested last night – and will be back in the side to face Blackburn in Paul Hanlon’s testimonial on Sunday.
Celtic had an initial bid for the 23-year-old Scotland ace, believed to be in the region of £1.5million, rejected earlier this week.
Lenny’s previously valued McGinn at £5m but the Hibs boss left it to Parker to answer questions on the star’s future.
He said: “Celtic have submitted a bid 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 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 like Marv (Bartley) and Flo (Kamberi). We wanted to give a few of the young boys a run-out and they did very well.”
Hibs fans were given their first glimpse of Liverpool loan keeper Adam Bogdan but he didn’t have much to do between the sticks.
Shaw rattled in a clinical finish from the edge of the box for the 13th-minute opener.
Murray then slammed home after getting on the end of Vykintas Slivka’s through pass and Gray’s superb dipping volley made it three before half-time.
Whittaker got in on the act with a crisp half volley after the break before late strikes from Shaw and Allan completed Hibees’ rout.