He has already been named the Scottish national side’s player of the year, but John McGinn can now add another honour to his growing list in December - after being mentioned in the House of Commons.
The Aston Villa midfielder received an unexpected shoutout from the SNP’s Commons leader Ian Blackford as he welcomed the parties back to the chamber following the official opening of parliament on Thursday.
Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Blackford, a passionate supporter of McGinn’s former side Hibernian, mentioned the Scotland international star after congratulating Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes on his address to parliament.
Mr Hughes, a known Villa fan, previously seconded the humble address given in the chamber.
When you make the #QueenSpeech #avfc @AVFCOfficial .. pic.twitter.com/MJalVObpZN
— Quo Vadis. (@PaulJoseBrain) December 19, 2019
However, Blackford took his opportunity while speaking in front of the house to recognise the common bond between the two clubs.
He said: “I must say to the honourable member for Walsall North, I know he is a great football fan, I thought he would have perhaps mentioned Aston Villa. I know they are not having the best of times, but I hope he is enjoying watching John McGinn that we gifted from Hibernian to him last year.”
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Villa fan Hughes laughed as he acknowledged the mention.
McGinn was on the bench on Tuesday evening as Villa defeated an under-strength Liverpool side to reach the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, however is expected to feature in Saturday’s clash with Southampton.
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