McGinn is a real first quencher
Steve Bruce hailed new signing John McGinn for a stunning debut as Aston Villa claimed a dramatic late win over Wigan.
Birkir Bjarnason’s last- gasp strike sent Villa Park wild as he clinched a 3-2 win.
But Bruce heaped praise on former Hibs midfielder McGinn and sidekick Jack Grealish.
The Villa boss beat Celtic in the scrap to land McGinn and said: “Three weeks ago we couldn’t have bought John, simple as that.
“The new owners have given that impetus and backed me to bring in some young, fresher ones full of what he is, that’s the remit.
“John had a terrific debut. I said yesterday that he was going to be a crowd favourite and how right I was.”
Grealish also showed why Spurs were desperate to sign him and why Villa fans didn’t want to see him go.
Bruce added: “Considering what’s gone on for Jack and his fami ly, the way they have conducted themselves and the way he’s gone about his work, he’s been a breath of fresh air. Today was the reason the Premier League wants to buy him.
“He oozes class. You pay good money to watch him. He has run his socks off – but the referees need to protect him.”
McGinn swung in the set-piece for James Chester to power home a header in 13 minutes.
Wigan levelled when Mile Jedinak was short with his back pass and keeper Orjan Nyland clattered the ball off Nick Powell for a freak goal.
It got worse for Villa 10 minutes after the restart when Powell’s teasing cross was headed in by Callum Connolly.
They levelled in the 63rd minute when McGinn’s corner caused panic in the Wigan defence and Chey Dunkley suffered an own goal embarrassment.
In stoppage time, substitute Conor Hourihane delivered and Bjarnason did the rest to send Bruce on a dance of delight.
Wigan manager Paul Cook said: “I’m happy with all aspects of the game but not the result.
“I thought my players were absolutely excellent.”