Former Premier League midfielder Charlie Adam has made a U-turn on his previous criticism of Aston Villa captain John McGinn, admitting he was wrong about the Scotland international.
Adam's Change of Heart
Ten years ago, when McGinn received his first Scotland call-up for a friendly against Denmark, Adam was left out of the squad. At the time, Adam said on Sky Sports: "Scotland see fit to go with players playing in the Championship in Scotland over players who are playing in the Premier League."
Now, a decade later, Adam has a very different perspective. He admitted: "I said a comment a few years ago... It sort of backfired on me! But again, what I've said is that in the big moments, the big games, Unai Emery relies on his energy and enthusiasm. He's got about 80-plus caps now and he's been brilliant."
Roy Keane's Criticism
Adam's comments come in the same week that former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane faced backlash for his brutal take on McGinn, calling him a 'pub player' when he is not at his best. Keane did acknowledge McGinn's importance to Aston Villa's recent success.
Gabby Agbonlahor Defends McGinn
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor also called out Keane for his criticism. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "I have a bone to pick with Roy Keane because he did a podcast recently where he said that when John McGinn is not at it, he is a pub player. That just sums up Roy Keane to be honest. It says to me, tell me you don't watch Aston Villa every week, without telling me."
Agbonlahor added: "John McGinn, every game he is at it. He said that John McGinn is a very good player, but when he is not at it, it reminds me of a pub player. John McGinn is a reliable player, seven out of 10. Roy Keane, be quiet please, mate."
Agbonlahor also reflected on Keane's coaching style, recalling an incident during his time as assistant at Aston Villa: "Not a great coach mate. Just being honest. In his coaching career he wasn't good. Anger issues. Different generation of players. I remember after a game after QPR, he got a can of Red Bull and threw it across into the shower. He said, 'I see you all drinking it, it doesn't work - do the science!' He had a tantrum mate. I thought I was going to burst out laughing here. But apparently in one of his books he said he took a Red Bull every game, so make your mind up Roy, which one is it, mate?"
McGinn's Success
McGinn, who lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy last month, has been instrumental in helping Unai Emery's side secure a top-four finish for the second time in three seasons. The club captain continues to prove his doubters wrong.
