John McGinn has backed Roy Keane after the former Manchester United midfielder called him a pub player on his bad days. McGinn said Keane was right, and that those games are becoming less frequent as he gets older.
McGinn answers Keane
“I didn’t think what he said was that bad. He followed it up with something complimentary,” McGinn said. He added: “He was right. I actually think the amount of games that I’m looking like a pub player is becoming less and less as I get older. I try and not have as many games like that and be more consistent.”
That response turns the criticism back on itself. Keane had said: “McGinn is one of these fellas, when he has his bad days, he does look like a pub player. When he’s off it, he’s shocking.” He also said: “You’d have him in your group, absolutely, and it’s no surprise Villa are doing well and he's at the forefront of that.”
Scotland and Aston Villa form
The comments sit against a run that has kept McGinn in view. He captained Aston Villa to Europa League glory against Freiburg, then scored the only goal as Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 at the weekend.
Scotland’s win was their first in the World Cup in 36 years. McGinn was the scorer and the captain, which is why the discussion around his level has not faded even after a strong spell at club and international level.
Liverpool midfield talk
The same debate has fed talk about Liverpool. Phil Thompson said Liverpool do not have a McGinn in their midfield and need someone like him, while also calling Keane’s remarks very harsh.
He said Liverpool don’t have a Jordan Henderson or a James Milner anymore, and argued that McGinn brings attitude and demands from others. The Liverpool link also sits around the idea that the club could look to reinforce its midfield options this summer, with McGinn once on Liverpool’s radar after impressing Jurgen Klopp.
For now, the story is less about a fallout than a player owning the label and sharpening it into a standard. McGinn has accepted the jab, reduced it to a question of consistency, and put the next judgment back on his own performances.
