John McGinn: Keep faith with Aston Villa promotion players

Villa have begun planning for their return to the top flight after three years in the Championship, with the future of several out-of-contract stars set to become clearer in the next few days.

A busy summer is expected as Dean Smith looks to strengthen his squad ready for the step up.

But McGinn is hoping the core of the team which won promotion can be kept intact.

That would include striking permanent deals for loan stars including Tyrone Mings and Anwar El Ghazi.

McGinn said: “Hopefully we can keep the squad together. I know they are going to have to make a few additions but hopefully we keep the main players together and give it a good go next year. I just hope they don’t change it too much and stick with the group we have got now.”

McGinn capped a superb first season at Villa by scoring what proved to be the winner in Monday’s play-off final win over Derby.

The 24-year-old Scot was pursued by Celtic last summer before moving south of the border in a £2.75million deal from Hibernian.

And he believes his decision to choose Villa has now been justified as he prepares for life in the Premier League.

He explained: “Sometimes in football you have to take risks and challenge yourself. I think sometimes people had the perception of me as just a runner and a hard-working player.

“I think I am that. But I also think I have a lot more to my game. I think it helped coming down here and challenging myself against younger, faster, stronger players. I have shown I have a lot more to offer.

“There are always going to be doubters and people who question whether you can make it at a certain level. Hopefully in the Premier League next year I will show what I can do.”