Rise and shine

BARGAIN BUY McGINN IS PRICELESS NOW FOR DEAN

DEAN SMITH has told big clubs eyeing up Aston Villa star John McGinn that they are wasting their time.

McGinn’s sparkling form since his bargain £2.75m move from Hibs just over a year ago has seen his value skyrocket.

Smith is well aware that Manchester United have the Scotland ace on their radar.

But even with figures of £50m being thrown into the mix, the Villa boss says his man is priceless.

The midfielder, 25, 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.

And in the wake of McGinn’s hat-trick in Scotland’s 6-0 thrashing of San Marino, 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 on 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. 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 with an infectious personality and praised ex-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.

“The lads love him. He’s a funny lad but he’s clever as well.”