Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Hibs hero named Aston Villa captain as Steven Gerrard explains armband decision 'discussion'

Former Hibs midfielder John McGinn has been named captain at Premier League club Aston Villa ahead of the new season.

Manager Steven Gerrard has opted to take the armband away from England international Tyrone Mings and hand it to the Scotland midfielder who has been at Villa Park since 2018. McGinn started his career at St Mirren and made the move to Hibs in 2015, where he helped them win the Scottish Cup in 2016 and earned them a fee of around £3 million with his departure from Easter Road.

He's helped the Villans establish themselves in England's top flight and the battler's boss says it's a good call. Gerrard said: “John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training. He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself.

READ MORE: Hibs duo receive work permits as Lee Johnson poses 'mope or crack on' question ahead of league start

Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

"Naturally, I have had to have a discussion with Tyrone Mings and have explained my reasons for making this decision.

"More importantly, I believe that not having the responsibility of the captaincy will allow Tyrone to focus more on his own game which can only benefit him and the team.”

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez assumes the responsibility of vice-captain and Ashley Young takes over in the club captain department.

READ NEXT:

- Hibs receive 'one of highest sales figures ever' for Josh Doig as Hellas Verona deal details emerge

- Hibs in transfer coup as they beat Premier League clubs to Reuben McCallister signing

- Hibs transfer latest on Joaquin Sosa and how club passed up on chance to sign Steven Fletcher

- Darren McGregor on his Hibs 'buzz' with Rocky Bushiri and Kyle McClelland verdicts provided

- Hibs injury concerns arise from positive Norwich City friendly as key men join growing injury list

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.