By Graham Hill
JOHN McGinn says he owes former Villa boss Steve Bruce for bringing him to the Midlands from Hibernian.
McGinn was a target for then-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers last summer.
But Bruce managed to land the Scotland midfielder for the knockdown price of £2.7million.
And McGinn has proved full value and more since arriving at Villa.
He has hit form at just the right time with three goals in his last two matches to bring his tally for the season to five.
McGinn, 24 says he is happy to have slotted straight into the relentless Championship programme after being signed by Bruce.
He said: “I had belief in myself. I was aware of the challenge ahead of me. I felt I had something different to offer.
“But I’ll be forever grateful to Steve Bruce who had a lot of confidence in me.”
McGinn believes boss Dean Smith can maintain Villa’s play-off bid.
Villa have won their last four games and scored 11 times in the process.
McGinn added: “The players are gelling a lot more now, and we’re a threat going forwards.
“The manager wants to score goals, be exciting and entertaining.
“That’s something that’s seeping into the whole squad now.
“He wants to attack and hurt other teams.
“It’s been refreshing and great to play in that style.”
