McGinn's summer break has recharged batteries

JOHN McGinn claims he is “as fit as I’ve ever been” after taking a break in the summer and being given help by Unai Emery to manage his workload.

- By BRIAN DICK

The Aston Villa captain has played a key part in a run of four straight wins, with goals against Bologna, Fulham and Feyenoord pointing towards an overall upswing in performances.

The 30-year-old has also thrived since moving back into the middle of the park after injuries forced Emery into a rethink.

But overall, McGinn, who is currently away on international duty, says he is feeling as fresh as he has for a long time, having slogged his way through 182 of Villa’s last 197 Premier League games.

“Maybe it was the longer rest over the summer. I had two and a half weeks of pretty much doing nothing,” he said.

“Then I went to America and did my own individual training camp to try and get myself in better shape. I wanted to be fresh and ready to go for the new season. I had a good preseason too.