ALAN STUBBS, influential in the development of John McGinn after signing him for Hibs from St Mirren three years ago, is now hoping a windfall from the midfielder's prospective move to Celtic can fund his recruitment drive in Paisley.
St Mirren, who last night secured a season-long loan deal for Aberdeen goalkeeper Danny Rogers, negotiated a sell-on clause whereby they are entitled to a third of any transfer fee.
Celtic had a second offer rejected by Hibs yesterday – thought to be £2million – and the higher it goes the better it will be for Stubbs, who is trying to produce a squad capable of keeping their place in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Stubbs said: “I’m hoping that if John is sold then I will get some of the money we will make from a sell-on clause, so hopefully Peter Lawwell will open the purse strings on this one!
“I’m not surprised Celtic are actively pursuing John but I am surprised that there hasn’t been more interest.
“His quality is undoubted and I don’t think there is any question about that. I think it’s always been a matter of 'when' and not 'if'.
“He’s not my player so I don’t think Neil Lennon would want me to say too much with the way it is at the moment and the fact they have a big game in Europe.
“Whatever happens I wish him all the best and both parties get what they want out of the deal.”
St Mirren face Kilmarnock tomorrow to kick off the Betfred Cup group stage with Stubbs having snapped up free transfers so far.
McGinn’s brother Paul has returned from Partick Thistle while Jeff King, Jim Kellerman, Josh Heaton and Cody Cooke have arrived from England, while full-back Hayden Coulson has arrived from Middlesbrough on loan.
Saints’ pre-season plans were upset when last weekend’s friendly against Bolton was called off due to a row with Wanderers players over bonuses and unpaid wages.
He said: "The prep hasn’t been ideal with the Bolton game getting called off.
"Kilmarnock a great game to get started with Steve Clarke has done a brilliant job there. From where they were when he came to where they finished was a brilliant turn-around.”
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