John McGinn Names His “Favourite Ever” Celt

Scotland hero John McGinn has named his favourite ever Celtic player. The midfielder has never hidden his love for the Hoops, and his idol growing up won’t surprise many.

With a wand of a left foot, McGinn regularly scores for his country, and much of his inspiration came from cult hero Shunsuke Nakamura.

The Japanese midfielder was a magician, regularly scoring goals that defied belief. His ability from dead-balls was outstanding.

In a recent video on X that previewed Aston Villa’s upcoming tour of Japan, McGinn made his love for Nakamura known.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to visit Tokyo but also Yokohama as one of my favourite ever Celtic players Shunsuke Nakamura played for Yokohama Marinos and I think he only recently retired.

“Naka, what a player. Number 25 – what a guy.”

Celtic’s original Japanese Bhoy, Nakamura has a special place in the hearts of many supporters.

Each goal of his was memorable whether it be his venomous strike in a colossal 2-1 Glasgow derby victory in 2008 that helped the Hoops on their way to the title or his free-kick at Rugby Park a year earlier that won a team then led by Gordon Strachan the league.

It is no wonder McGinn idolises him but the ship for him to emulate his hero’s success in Glasgow sailed many moons ago.