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Personal

Fullname: Niall McGinn
Born: 29.7.1987
Birthplace: Dungannon
Height: 6' (183cm)
Signed: Jan 2009
Internationals: Northern Ireland
International Caps: 2 (Up to June 2009)
International Goals: 0

Biog

Signed by Gordon Strachan Niall McGinn is an energetic and rangey attacking midfielder/winger who began his career playing part time football with hometown team Dungannon Swifts.

During this period he also starred in gaelic football for both the Donaghmore club and Co. Tyrone U21s. A Dungannon teammate, Mark McAllister, actually signed for Celtic in 2007 before reneging on the deal when learning he was to be put in the youth team.

A 2008 move to full-time professionalism with Derry City saw McGinn's career flourish although sadly he was compelled to retire from his GAA exploits.

Strong performances for the Brandywell side in the Eircom League soon brought Niall to the attentions of the Northern Ireland setup and he duly recieved a couple of U23 caps, including one in a defeat to the Republic in May 2008. His first full international appearance followed in November as the Windsor Park men were given an embarrassing runaround in a home friendly with Hungary.

Despite the rumoured attentions of various English clubs - including Ipswich and even Chelsea - McGinn agreed to join Celtic in mid-December 2008 for a fee of around £200,000. Attempts to procure the player on a trial basis had earlier been rebuffed by his club.

Since arriving in the January 2009 transfer window McGinn has largely been biding his time in the reserves where he has shown undoubted promise. His debut first team appearance came on 12th September 2009 under the new regime of Tony Mowbray when he put in an impressive display in a 1-1 home draw against Dundee United.

While first team appearances since have mostly been restricted to cameos from the substitutes bench McGinn has certainly impressed with his exciting old-fashioned wing play. Hopes are now high that the Parkhead faithful will see a lot more of Niall in 2010 and that McGinn becomes the latest Hoops hero from Ireland.

Honours

PFAI Young Player of the Year 2008

KDS Honours
MOTM Winners 2009-10
18-Dec-09	Rapid Vienna 3-3 Celtic	Europa League Match 5

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