Signing for Celtic is in John McGinn’s ‘head’ as real Parkhead dream for Aston Villa skipper revealed

Charlie Mulgrew reckons the Scotland star would be desperate to score pull on the hoops – but has no idea if it will happen

John McGinn – in action for Aston Villa – has Celtic on his mind insists Charlie Mulgrew

John McGinn would have loved to have joined Celtic and it will be in his head to sign for the club.

That’s the view of former Hoops star Charlie Mulgrew, who reckons the Aston Villa skipper will be dreaming of having that feeling of scoring a derby goal against Rangers.

Whether that happens for the English Premier League star remains to be seen of course.

But Mulgrew is convinced the Scotland international still has hopes of pulling on the green and white hoops.

Before he made the move to Villa Park, Celtic were in for the midfielder, but after stalling he swapped Hibs for England.

He’s since established himself as a fans’ favourite and is captain under boss Unai Emery, with the 30-year-old experiencing regular European football in recent years including a Champions League campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Mulgrew said: “Listen, John McGinn would’ve loved to have went to Celtic.

“I know John McGinn personally, his whole family are Celtic fans, but it just didn’t happen for whatever reason.

“I think it’s definitely going to be in his head [to sign for Celtic]. When you’re brought up in Glasgow, the only teams that you see are Celtic and Rangers – and for you, that’s the pinnacle of football.

“I’d picture myself growing up in the streets of Glasgow, picturing myself scoring against Rangers, that was my dream.

“That was the top of the world of football for me.

“Because that was all I had seen – I know now that there’s bigger games, but to then eventually score against Rangers and feel that, I know John McGinn will be desperate to do that. Whether that happens or not, I just don’t know.”

Lyndon Dykes celebrates Scotland goal with John McGinn

McGinn – under contract until 2027 – is currently with Steve Clarke and Scotland as they bid to reach the World Cup finals.

He starred for the national team as they came from behind to dump Greece 3-1 to set up a big Sunday evening clash with Belarus.

Victory over the group minnows would put the Dark Blues onto 10 points and set up a massive November double-header with Greece and Denmark in the hunt to join the biggest stage in world football.