Jacob Ramsey has outlined big character John McGinn’s desperation to face Celtic.
And the Aston Villa ace is adamant Brendan Rodgers’ side will have headed south to make a statement. McGinn made a return from a hamstring injury as a late sub in the weekend draw with West Ham. The Scotland star is eager to tackle his boyhood club as his team-mate explained: “John’s a big character and one of my close friends here.
“He’s just come back from injury. After he got injured, he was devastated as he wanted to play against Celtic. Thankfully for him and the team, he’s been in training and got a few minutes on the weekend and he’ll be looking to get a few more minutes. Obviously he’s a Scottish lad and will want to play in this game. He’s got tons of tickets, his box is full with friends and family!
“So I’m sure this game will mean a lot to him. I think before he came to Villa, Celtic were in for him, I think a Celtic fan growing up, so that says it all really. A big game for him and a big game for Villa as well.
Ramsey understands what to expect against the Scottish champions and said: “I’ve played against Brendan Rodgers before when he was at Leicester. They were a very technical team who liked to press the ball.
“I’m sure they [Celtic] will want to make a statement and try to impress people. It will be a really hard, intense and physical game. I am looking forward to it.
“It’s a big game, especially at Villa Park. We need the three points for automatic qualification. I’m sure the Celtic fans will bring the atmosphere, but so will the Villa fans. It should be a good game.
“For me personally, coming from the academy, signing at eight years old, to be playing in the Champions League at Villa Park in front of my family and friends, and I’m sure I’ll have a look up during the anthems and it will be a pinch me moment. But after that my focus will be on the game.”
It’s been a dubbed a Battle of Britain, but Ramsey doesn’t expect a frantic game, He said: “The way we play, we don’t really play a basketball game.
“We try to control the game with our passing and dictate. England vs Scotland, it’s going to be a very intense game, we hope we can control it.”