John McGinn’s true class shines through after what Aston Villa gem has just shared
John McGinn’s influence behind the scenes at Aston Villa has been praised by youngster Rory Wilson.
After extensive speculation over his future Aston Villa ultimately secured Wilson’s future with a new contract earlier this year but his recent progress at the club has been hampered by a major injury blow.
The forward spent close to a year out of action due to an ankle problem but returned to Under-21s action in September and was then called up for the Scotland U21s during the current international break.
And he has pointed to how important support from compatriot McGinn has been at Villa.
Rory Wilson hails John McGinn role at Aston Villa
Despite their Scottish link Wilson also pointed out that the club captain was a positive influence on Aston Villa youngsters across the board.
For his part the teenager is feeling positive about his fitness situation now and is looking forward to getting his career back on track.
The 19-year-old said, via the Daily Record‘s Saturday print edition: “It’s good to be back playing games and it’s enjoyable to be back in training every day.
“I was out for on and off a year, probably. I came back in April and played a couple of games and felt it again so I had to get surgery in the summer.
“It was a bit frustrating but it’s football and you just have to get on with it. I had a problem with my ankle because there was a bone spur moving about.
“But thankfully, it got sorted and I am now pain free. I just need to kick on.
“I’ve had a few bits of training with the first team. I’ve scored a couple of goals since I came back I am just trying to build on that. It has been good staying fit.
“John McGinn’s been brilliant to be honest. He’s very good to all the young boys and not just Scottish boys at Villa.”
Unai Emery needs striker graduations from youth set up
Now that Wilson’s back in action Unai Emery could certainly do with some rapid progress from him or one of his fellow forwards.
Ollie Watkins is currently the loan recognised striker in the senior set up, with Lewis Dobbin out on loan at Preston North End and yet to make an Aston Villa appearance.
Wilson’s presumed breakthrough into the Aston Villa senior side appears to have been hampered by his previous contract stand-off, so with his future committed and the injury issues now behind him fans will be hoping the manager starts to consider bringing him through.
The financial pressures which the club continue to face make it harder than ever to sign and keep hold of top level goal-scoring options so bringing some through from the youth set up would be a major boost, and expectations around the ex-Rangers youngster have been high for some time.
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