John McGinn draws inspiration from Celtic as he prepares for first Champions League campaign

Celtic are one of 36 teams fighting for promotion in the new Champions League format, which will feature some of Europe’s best teams.

It has to be admitted that the new Swiss league table was a little confusing at first, but it has the potential to liven up the competition and provide some spectacular football.

Aston Villa are one of Celtic’s league opponents, and they will face Scotland versus England in January, and no team in green and white will want to miss it.

The final fixture on the list sees the Bhoys take on Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb and Young Boys before heading to Birmingham.

Despite this, Villans captain John McGinn is taking inspiration from his childhood idols and is looking forward to his participation in the Champions League.

John McGinn’s mention of Celtic ahead of Champions League debut

Aston Villa face Young Boys in their first league match tonight and McGinn admitted he watched with envy as his Celtic team-mates were handed their official kits and balls ahead of their star-studded Champions League campaign.

He said (to The Mirror): “Everyone says they want to hear the anthem – and I’m no exception – but I’m more excited about playing with balls and bibs.

Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images

“I’ve watched Celtic wear them for years. No, we first got them after the Everton game on Sunday morning. I can’t tell you how happy and delighted it made me.”

Even though it’s a small thing, it’s worth savoring every moment in the Champions League, and looking the part is just as important because it can make you feel like you’re on the big stage.

McGinn has shone for the Scottish national team for several years and it is great to see him getting a chance to play in Europe’s top competition. However, 67 Hail Hail is Celtic’s platform, so the main concern is how our Bhoys will fare in the league stage.

Excitement is running high ahead of what could be a breakthrough campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ men, and let’s hope that when Celtic head south of the border in January 2025 they are already in a position to push for promotion.