St Mirren legend Tony Fitzpatrick can’t believe one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs haven’t swooped for Scotland star John McGinn.
Former Saints midfielder McGinn skippered his country to Nations League success during this international break, standing in for Liverpool superstar Andy Robertson with aplomb as Steve Clarke's men picked up seven points from three tough matches to win Group B1 and earn promotion to the top tier.
The Aston Villa playmaker, who came through the Ralston youth ranks before shining for the first team, has been linked with big money moves to the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur since moving down south.
And Buddies Hall of Famer Fitzpatrick believes it’s only a matter of time before one of England’s top clubs finally snaps up the talented 27-year-old.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, Fitzpatrick said: “No disrespect to Aston Villa whatsoever, but I can’t believe one of the top four clubs in England haven’t come in for him yet.
“They must have tried at one point or another, but I’m just shocked it hasn’t happened yet.
“Once again in this international break he has proven he’s not just an incredible player, he’s an incredible leader as well.
“The work that he puts in is just sensational. He’s got power, pace, great passing and a great finish on him as well.
“He also has a knack of winning tackles that he probably shouldn’t. He’s a bit like Kenny Dalglish in the way he uses his body so well to keep the ball too.
“He’s the complete midfielder and he’s coming into his peak years. He’s already breaking records for Scotland I’m sure there’s more still to come from him.
“Surely it’s only a matter of time before a Manchester United or a Liverpool come in and sign him.”
McGinn wasn’t the only former St Mirren star putting in another impressive shift for his country. While he was earning his 51st cap, fellow Ralston graduate Kenny McLean was picking up his 28th.
Fitzpatrick believes the Paisley club’s supporters have every right to be proud in helping to shape their incredible careers.
He’s also adamant there are more midfield stars of the future coming through the Saints academy right now, while highlighting the key asset that has seen them both thrive in the English Premier League.
Fitzpatrick said: “We’re so incredibly proud as a club that McGinn and McLean came through our academy and then played in our midfield. It’s a proud moment for our supporters to see them both doing so well for Scotland and be key components of their success in recent years.
“I’d be lying if I said that when I watched them as kids in our academy that I knew then they’d go on to have the amazing careers they’ve had.
“But the thing that always stuck out for me was their desire. You can’t buy that. They had that inside them and it can be the difference between a player making it to the top and not making it at all.
“Football will kick you about, just like life. But they’ve worked so hard on their skills and their fitness and sacrificed a lot to get where they are now.
“Alex Ferguson started the youth policy at St Mirren all those years ago and it shows the pathway is there from the Saints academy.
“I promise you there are plenty more McGinns and McLeans currently coming through our ranks. There’s more on the way which is a huge credit to Allan McManus and his team.”
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