SPENCE: WE KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW
Villa pals serenade goal hero John ahead of derby clash
McGinn Abraham
REF:
Hourihane
ATT: JOHN MCGINN is relishing “getting his teeth into” the derby against Birmingham City after inspiring Aston Villa to this thumping win.
The Scotland midfielder showed his bite against Derby by heading Villa into a lead (right) – then crossing for Tammy Abraham to double the advantage.
The away fans loved chanting “Super John McGinn” – and even certain Villa players were doing it, while the midfielder was being interviewed.
McGinn laughed that off – and revealed he did not know the nickname of Villa’s next opponents, Birmingham, until recently.
The former Hibernian man said: “I didn’t even know they were called ‘Blues’ until I joined Villa in the summer –but I’ve heard a lot about them.
“It’s not going to be easy. But it’s one I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into.
“I’m not English but I’m aware of the size of the derby. I’ve been lucky enough to play in the Edinburgh one and they’re the sort of games I relish. You just need to keep a cool head.”
McGinn is in his first season in English football and new Villans boss Dean Smith already loves what he is seeing of the player.
Although it has been a testing baptism, with Villa in mid-table, the Scot is still targeting the play-offs – at least. The 25-year-old said: “It’s pleasing to silence a few critics and really show what the squad can do. But there’s no use doing it for one game – we have to try to do it consistently.
“It’s a mad league. One win can take you up several places – and a defeat can take you the other way. It’s important to try to get a run together.”
Derby, including midfielder Tom Lawrence (above), had enjoyed an impressive run recently under Frank Lampard – but that momentum was shattered by Villa, who have John Terry as assistant manager. Discussing Terry, McGinn said: “To have someone who has achieved so much coaching you is invaluable. Not only that, he is a humble guy.” Terry was hugging Lampard (above) before this game started, when both had smiles on their faces. When Conor Hourihane struck in Villa’s third, Lampard’s mood was very different though. Rams midfielder Tom Huddlestone said: “If anybody was getting carried away then this probably brings you back down to earth a bit.
“This was just a bad 90 minutes, really. We’ve got some wrongs to right from this performance.”
DERBY: ASTON VILLA: MOTM JOHN McGINN (ASTON VILLA) JORDAN SPENCE refuses to blame sacked boss Paul Hurst for Ipswich’s poor start to the season.
New manager Paul Lambert was frustrated by a second draw when saw Reading’s Yakou Meite (above) grab his second goal six minutes from time.
Despite letting the lead slip, defender Spence was positive about life under the new regime.
He said: “I think it’s important that we draw a line under what previously happened.
“And it’s important not to speak disparagingly about fellow professionals.
“The manager has come in and laid out a clear blueprint, a clear plan. He has a great deal of experience and he has turned us into a team that looks like scoring more goals and conceding less.
“From the showing in the first half and at times in the second, with the resilience to hang in there, and the showing from the travelling support, we’re not a team who should be at the bottom of this division.”
Ipswich found themselves 2-1 up after a frantic opening 11 minutes thanks to goals from Gwion Edwards and Freddie Sears – either side of Meite’s equaliser.
The Ivory Coast forward has scored six times in five games to earn an international call up against Guinea.
Now the 22-year-old wants to continue his fine run of form.
He said: “I’m very pleased to play for my country, I’m playing next week. I hope I will be fit because I still feel my ankle, so I need to carry on but be careful.
“I think if you play like we did in the second half then we should have won this game.”
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