John’s a lingo player
John McGinn has fitted into English football easily – but admits he still hasn’t overcome the language barrier.
The Glaswegian says his Aston Villa pals and Brummie locals can’t make out a word he says.
The Scotland star has become a mainstay for the Championship club since his £ 2.8million switch from Hibs.
But he said: “Initially it was tough because people in shops and schools, wherever I went, they just couldn’t understand me.
“My accent is strong. Even something as simple as ordering a coffee is difficult.
“Birkir Bjarnason and Anwar El Ghazi haven’t got a clue what I’m saying either.
“So I need to try to slow down. It’s not yet got to a stage where someone has tried to translate for me. And I’m not going to start picking up an English accent either.
“I’d get too much stick for that when I go back home.”
Villa have been flying since Dean Smith took over from Steve Bruce.
McGinn said: “There’s a different style of play under the new gaffer but I will be forever grateful to Bruce.
“He showed a lot of confidence in me.
“Under the new boss we seem to be a real threat going forward.
“He wants to score goals and entertain.
“He doesn’t want us hanging on to one-goal leads. He wants to attack. It’s refreshing.”
McGinn is looking forward to facing league pacesetters Leeds today.
He said: “It’s a fixture everyone wants to be involved in.
“When I signed for Villa, it was a game I looked at.
“On paper, it’s got goals written all over it. Both teams will attack.”