CELTIC target John McGinn has admitted concentrating fully on his football has helped him to cope with all the transfer speculation.
The Hoops have had three bids – the last in the region of £2million – rejected for Hibs’ 23-year-old Scotland international midfielder.
McGinn was in the spotlight again during the week when he scored the crucial goal in the 1-1 draw with Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis to help Neil Lennon’s men into the next stage of the Europa League.
A boyhood Celtic fan and former season ticket holder, there is as obvious emotional draw to Parkhead where his grandfather Jack was chairman during the club’s centenary year.
McGinn revealed: “It was really hard initially, but when you’re on the football park, you forget.
“You’re walking along the street and everyone is asking you. It’s no bother for the first few times, but then it starts getting annoying. You just want to focus on your football and keep getting better and let things happen.
“It’s tough, I’ve never hidden from the fact that there will be a time that I move on, but it will have to be the right time and the right moment. Obviously, though, it hasn’t come yet.
“Football is a great place to get away from things. I know you try and ignore it, but sometimes it’s impossible.”
McGinn, who is out of contract next summer, is looking forward to the opening Premiership game against Motherwell at Easter Road tomorrow.
He added: “I’m grateful for what this club has done for me and I love playing for Hibs – I never take that for granted.
“It’s nice to know you’re doing something right but at the same time I need to be respectful to Hibs.
“I’m their player and I’m under contract here and as long as I’m a Hibs players I will give 100 per cent.”
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