Derry City reject Celtic approach for McGinn
Derry City chairman Pat McDaid has revealed that he rejected Celtic’s request to take their highly-rated midfielder Niall McGinn on a week’s trial at Parkhead.
The 21-year-old is being chased by several clubs, including Swansea City, who had him and his agent, Gerry Carlile, as guests at their game against Cardiff at the weekend.
McGinn was recently named young player of the year by the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland, days before he made his debut for Northern Ireland.
Celtic’s desire to look at him at their Lennoxtown training complex could be explained by the failure of former Derry City player Paddy McCourt to pin down a first-team place at Parkhead since signing in June.
However, McDaid told PA Sport that he would not be sanctioning any trial periods for the talented youngster.
“Celtic have enquired about Niall but there has been no bid yet,” he said.
“About a fortnight ago they asked to take him on a week’s trial but we rejected that out of hand.
“We are not sending any players on trial.
“I was surprised by Celtic’s request in that Niall is a full-time player playing in a professional league and he has just been named young player of the year.
“If any club wants him then they will have to make an offer.
“We have had a couple of offers from Championship clubs but neither have met our valuation.
“There are no deadlines or anything like that.
“Niall has two years left on his contract so we would be happy for him to stay at Derry City.”
