Ex-Celtic kid on how failed Parkhead transfer target helped him settle in England

Borland 19, like most highly rated Celtic youngsters was lured away with the promise of the riches on offer down south three years ago.

The midfielder, despite not yet breaking into the Villa first team has done relatively well, captaining the Villa under 21s in the Premier League 2, and was part of Aston Villa’s FA cup youth winning team last year. He is currently enjoying a loan spell at League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Borland has told of his gratitude towards former Celtic target John McGinn, and described him as the perfect role model. He said: “It’s been great ever since I went down. He’s looked after me and looked out for me on the training pitch and gave me his number to reach out if I ever needed anything on and off the pitch,” Borland said as reported by Glasgow Times.

“So there’s no better role model than the captain of your country.”

“Also being the captain of your club, as someone to look up to and obviously helps as well having boys through the academy that I’ve known from a young age, being Scottish players as well. So it definitely helps you settle in.”

The midfielder is hopeful of breaking into Unai Emery’s first-team plans at Villa Park, like his former teammate George Hemmings.

The teenager said: “I think it’s just about doing everything right that when the opportunity comes around, whether it’s training or on the pitch that you take your opportunity and he’s obviously done that really well this season with coming in and keeping his place.

“It is definitely one for all the academy boys to see and push towards.”

Borland spent last season on loan at Swindon Town before making the move to Accrington Stanley.