Celtic legend Pat Bonner has claimed that Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn could have made a difference to the Bhoys’ fortunes this season, if they had signed him last summer.
McGinn, who made the switch to the Championship from Hibernian last summer, was a realistic target for Brendan Rodgers at the beginning of the season.
However, a deal to bring the midfielder to Parkhead failed to materialise, with Celtic seeing bids rejected and Aston Villa eventually agreeing a transfer.
The 24-year-old has settled in quickly at Villa Park after having notched up 29 appearances in all competitions so far this term and is increasingly working towards fighting for promotion.
Celtic, on the other hand, have allowed Rangers to bridge the gap in the Scottish Premiership and Bonner feels that McGinn could have given the defending champions a cutting edge this term.
Bonner feels Celtic should have kicked on in the summer transfer window and cemented their status as Scotland's number one club.
“Celtic missed a trick during the summer, when they could really have consolidated their position as the biggest club in the country”, Bonner was quoted as saying by the Herald.
“Instead, they’ve really been struggling up front and, in midfield, it looks increasingly like the energy of John McGinn could have made a difference if only they’d been able to get that deal done.”
Celtic return to action following their mid-season break when they host Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup at Parkhead on Saturday.
