Simon Donnelly: I'm shocked Celtic have not yet signed this international in brilliant form
Simon Donnelly has admitted he is shocked that Celtic are yet to sign Hibernian and Scotland midfielder John McGinn.
McGinn, 23, has been in terrific form over the last couple of seasons and was linked with a move to Parkhead last summer.
Many believe that the seven-times Scotland international could become a long-term successor to Scott Brown in the Bhoys midfield and Donnelly is no different, saying that Parkhead captain can mentor McGinn before he finally retires.
“I’m surprised that Celtic didn’t have a sniff at him in the January transfer window, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up there,” Donnelly said, as quoted by the Scotsman.
“Scott Brown still has a lot to offer there, and with him retiring from Scotland, I can see him playing on there.
“But who better to go in and learn from playing alongside than him? He’s that kind of player, he has that aggression, he’s tenacious and he can play a bit.”
McGinn has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Hibs this term, scoring six goals and supplying six assists in the process.
He bagged a brace in a 2-2 draw with Celtic at Parkhead in September and was also on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox last month.
Football Insider verdict
There's a good chance that Celtic will try to sign McGinn in the summer but the Hibs midfielder should not be Brendan Rodgers' top priority. The Hoops really need strengthening in defence first and foremost while also trying to find replacements for players like Moussa Dembele, who is bound to attract a lot of attention, Brown still has one or two seasons left in him so there's no real rush to find a long-term replacement. McGinn may be wanted south of the border though if his good form continues and that is when the Bhoys should start rushing to get his signature.