Mcginn & tonic
GERRARD: JOHN IS VITAL FOR US ... HE’S OUR GLUE
STEVEN GERRARD has told Manchester United target John Mcginn that he is an irreplaceable part of his plans for Aston Villa.
Mcginn has been linked with a £50million move to Old Trafford – and former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a huge fan of the Scottish midfielder.
But so is Gerrard – and the Villa boss has paid tribute to the role the 27-year-old has played for him this season both on and off the pitch.
Gerrard said: “There’s not many better people than John Mcginn.
“I’ve been in the game an awfully long time and he is a really infectious character who is great for the group, on and off the pitch.
“John is the glue to everything that’s good at Aston Villa.
“One hundred percent, he is very important for me, for the staff, for his team-mates and the club.
“The club have been good for John – and he has paid them back with consistent performances throughout.
“We are hoping to keep trying to improve him in all departments.”
Glasgow-born Mcginn, signed from Hibernian in 2018, still has just over three years left on his contract.
Gerrard added: “We use the phrase ‘all in’ with John because he gives it all to the cause.
“He’ll die for you on the pitch. He commits everything, he is a proper team player and he’s got immense quality in there as well.
“I would have loved to have played alongside him because when you look around that dressing room and you go on the frontline, you’ll know John Mcginn is with you.
“Whatever situation you’re in – good or bad – he will be there.
“If we are to take this club where we want to take it, then it’s very important that we keep working with players like him. He’s invaluable.
“When you take over a job, it’s important that your senior players believe in what you’re bringing to the table.
“They help you deliver the message, they help you improve standards around the place.
“I don’t want to over-praise John, but he has been absolutely brilliant.
“Everything we’ve asked him to do he’s gone above and beyond.”
When Gerrard took over at Villa Park in November, it seemed the Midlands club would become embroiled in a relegation fight after losing five successive games.
But they go into today’s clash with West Ham looking for their fourth successive win and a possible top-half finish.
Gerrard said: “We seem to have them believing in what we’re trying to do.
“Now it’s about coaching and recruiting and trying to evolve in as many areas as we can.”