John McGinn’s transfer from Hibs to Aston Villa cast a shadow over Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens.
Not many supporters craved the signing of the midfielder but that isn’t the issue. Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign McGinn which is the only opinion that mattered.
The Celtic boss made his feelings clear as he previewed the match against the Greek champions.
Congratulations mate, great servant to Hibs. An incredible player and an exceptional person who deserves nothing but the best ???????????????????????? @jmcginn7 pic.twitter.com/0LGrAlJWGq
— Liam Henderson (@liam53henderson) August 8, 2018
Henderson spent a season on loan at Hibs where alongside McGinn he helped the Edinburgh side win the 2016 Scottish Cup.
Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham delivered their usual high quality performance but there was something missing from the home side’s display.
On the back of two trebles there was a sense of unease around the ground, for the first time there was concern about Brendan Rodgers and how he was feeling about the backing from above.
The Irishman’s commitment to the club isn’t up for debate, over the last two years he could have taken the easier option of managing a middling English Premier League side and be splashing out £20m for run of the mill players.
Until now the club has been united, the business model was delivering results on and off the pitch with almost everyone in harmony.
Now, the transfer saga surrounding an Aston Villa midfielder is casting a shadow over the team, manager and boardroom.