Manchester United legend Roy Keane has clarified his earlier comments about Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, admitting he would go to “the trenches” with him. Earlier this month, Keane acknowledged McGinn’s importance to Villa’s success but also described him as looking like a “pub player” when not at his best, sparking backlash.
Keane’s Original Comments
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane said: “He’s one of these fellas, when he’s bad, when he has his bad days, he does look like a pub player. When he’s off it, he’s shocking. When he’s bad, wow. I’ve watched him long enough. And the stats are, when he’s in the team week in week out, you go ‘if these managers all like him…’”
McGinn lifted the Europa League trophy with Villa last month and played a crucial role in qualifying for the Champions League.
McGinn’s Response
Asked by ITV about Keane’s comments, McGinn said: “I didn’t think what he said was that bad! He followed it up with something complimentary. He was right. I actually think the amount of games that I’m looking at 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. I don’t think it was too bad. People were saying: ‘Did you see what he said?’ I just thought it was quite nice that they were talking about me!”
McGinn’s goal against Haiti earned Scotland their first World Cup win in 36 years, but they lost 1-0 to Morocco in their second group stage match.
Keane’s Revised Opinion
Before that match, Keane spoke about McGinn again in glowing terms. “If you asked me if I would be in the trenches with John McGinn, you bet your life I would,” Keane said on ITV. “I have huge time for him. A brilliant player. Sometimes you make a tongue in cheek comment - it was no disrespect to the player. I think he is outstanding.”
