McGinn duo's brotherly love for Hibs

by John Hislop

Neil Lennon once famously told John McGinn, who was generally considered to be the hottest property in the Scottish game: “Best player in the league? You’re not even the best player in your house!”.

Lenny was referring to John’s brother Stephen who had demonstrated his skills in a 2-0 victory for St Mirren over Hibs two years ago and now the Hibs’ fans will get the chance to judge as Stephen has followed in the footsteps of both brothers by making the 60-mile trip along the M8 to Easter Road.

Stephen started as a youth player with St Mirren and quickly became a regular fixture in Gus MacPherson’s side where he was hailed for his stunning goal against Rangers that gave Saints a win in the final meeting between the sides at the stadium on Love Street.

During the January 2010 transfer window he left St Mirren for Watford having made 87 appearances in the black and white stripes over which he found the back of the net 8 times.

Life at Watford started well for the midfielder playing alongside top players such as Troy Deeney and Danny Drinkwater, but midway through season 2010/11 he suffered a knee ligament injury which saw him sit out the remainder of the season as well as the following season.

He made his return to football in January 2013 for Shrewsbury who he was loaned out to and at the end of the season David

Weir persuaded him to sign for Sheffield United where he joined a certain Jamie Murphy in the Blades’ squad.

A loan spell to Dundee in January 2015 led to a permanent move to the Dens Park side but just ahead of the start of the 2015/16 season Stephen headed south again to sign with Wycombe Wanderers where he made 40 appearances before making the return back to St Mirren. Stephen also picked up 8 caps for the Scotland Under-21 side.