One of Celtic’s most captivating fixtures in this season’s Champions League sees them pitted against English Premier League side Aston Villa, with a particularly intriguing match scheduled away at Villa Park.
The Hoops would have backed themselves to secure a positive result against the Birmingham club at Parkhead, but an encounter on Villa’s turf promises a significantly different challenge.
For Brendan Rodgers, the ideal scenario would be to have Celtic’s qualification already secured before this matchday eight clash. In that case, the trip south wouldn’t carry the weight of being a must-win encounter.
This would be an equally favourable outcome for John McGinn, a figure whose loyalties are undeniably complex in this tie.
McGinn, a proud supporter of Celtic since childhood, will find himself in the unfamiliar position of facing off against his beloved Hoops as captain of Aston Villa. For the 29-year-old midfielder, the timing of the match is something of a relief.
“I’m absolutely delighted it’s January,” McGinn said, speaking to The Scottish Sun in the wake of last Thursday’s draw.
“I had that two days (after the draw) with my phone off, then when I found out it was the last game, I was like, ‘Right, I’ll deal with that after Christmas’.”
McGinn’s reaction is understandable. The prospect of leading Villa against Celtic, a club he holds dear, would weigh heavily on any player.
Yet, McGinn is no stranger to playing against the Bhoys. Back in 2017, during his time with Hibernian, he produced a standout performance at Parkhead, scoring twice to secure a 2-2 draw.
His Villa teammates will undoubtedly hope for a similar display when the two sides meet, but his Celtic-supporting family might have other hopes.
“All my pals, all my family, I’m sure they’ll be wanting Celtic to win,” McGinn admitted, acknowledging the divided loyalties that this match will undoubtedly stir.
“But it’s something I’ve dealt with in the past with St. Mirren and Hibs. I always manage to kind of blank it out, I think.”
Despite the conflicting emotions, McGinn understands the enduring bond with the team he grew up supporting.
“You always have your team that you support growing up, your childhood team, and it never, never leaves you,” he reflected.
As the clash at Villa Park approaches, McGinn will have to balance his professional responsibilities with his personal allegiances, a challenge that adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling fixture.