Niall McGinn
Former Derry winger Niall McGinn believes that he has his Gaelic background to thank for his fitness level.
McGinn missed the start of the season after breaking a bone in his foot but has been back in the thick of the action over the last few weeks and been on the scoresheet.
Neil Lennon is a fan of McGinn’s pacy style of play which can be traced back to his upbringing with Tyrone GAA.
“I’ve always been told to make the most of my pace,” he admitted to Channel 67. “Gaelic football is a completely different type of fitness, it’s more physical and has stood me in good stead.
“It’s 15-a-side and more physical and has definitely helped my fitness coming into full time football with Celtic.
“My previous managers drilled it into me to use my pace as much as I can, when I first got called into the international squad I was told to be direct and get at defenders to create opportunities for other players.”
McGinn is is his third season at Celtic and has no regrets over the move from Derry to Glasgow.
He added: “Moving from Derry City was a big change for me and I’ve been learning all the time.
“It was a dream come true to sign for Celtic, everything was done and dusted with Swansea City but once Celtic appeared there was no choice.
“I felt that it would be a great move and that’s how it’s worked out for me.
“I grew up watching Celtic and wondered how the players looked after themselves and how they improve their game.
“I knew that it would be hard coming to a big club but thankfully Tony Mowbray gave me my chance and it’s kicked off from there.”
McGinn will be back in Ireland on Sunday as Neil Lennon takes a full strength Celtic side to Finn Harps for the first event of John Kennedy’s Testimonial.
Why leave all the talking to mouthpieces Clark and Dougal?
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