McGinn’s work not Ton yet
penalties. The only thing worse than our first half was that.
“The game was under control in the second half so we recovered.We made changes to try and win and then it is a penalty and after that a second yellow for Lamela.
“It meant the last 20 minutes the team had to try to get the result 11 v 10.”
Lamela curved a magnificent finish beyond Bernd Leno in the 33rd minute, with Emile Smith Rowe and Cedric Soares hitting woodwork before Odegaard levelled right on half-time.
Lacazette won it then Lamela saw red after catching Kieran Tierney with a flying arm to land a second booking.
STEPHEN McGINN admits he was expecting to be winding down his career with St Mirren right now.
Instead the Hibs midfielder is starting out on a loan switch to the Buddies’ arch rivals Morton.
McGinn’s impressive career journey has taken him to all corners of the UK after becoming the first of a family dynasty to break through in Paisley ahead of brothers Paul and John.
But little could have prepared the former Saints stalwart, 32, for Friday’s diversion to Greenock.
McGinn was heading to Hibs’ training HQ in Tranent ready to jump on board the trip to face Ross County.
Only then did he learn of Morton’s interest that saw him make a rapid U-turn to get his career back on track after a bit-part season at Easter Road.
The former Dundee, Wycombe, Sheffield United and Watford midfielder insists his standing as a Buddies great – where he made more than 200 appearances in two spells – won’t be a barrier to success on the other side of the Renfrewshire divide.
Even though he could “never have imagined” pulling on a Morton strip when he was a youngster coming through at Saints.
McGinn said: “Last year, when I was back for a second spell, I assumed I’d retire at St Mirren and go on to work within the club.
“But football changes quickly and they let me go in the summer. At the end
MORTON
of the day, the opportunity came up to play for a club local to me with a manager (Gus MacPherson) I trust.
“When he asked about me coming here, I was just desperate. I miss playing. Right away, the boys made me feel welcome and I’m really pleased with the team.
“I was delighted to see Hibs’ result when I got in after our game – so I probably wasn’t needed!”
McGinn didn’t look short of match practice as he anchored the Ton midfield in Saturday’s defeat at highflying Dunfermline.
Craig Wighton did the damage with a 44th minute header from Dom Thomas’ pinpoint cross.
The striker saw a 20thminute spot kick saved by Aidan McAdams and his follow-up turned onto the bar by the Morton keeper.
But Wighton kept his cool to make it three goals in three since his switch from Hearts. He said: “It’s disappointing to miss the penalty but I’m delighted then to get a goal after it.
“It’s always a battle against Morton. We ground it out comfortably in the end.”