In Focus: McGinn driving Villa's return to Europe with Hibs homecoming

John McGinn will be the driving force behind Aston Villa's first European adventure in 13 years.

The Villa skipper was the star of his side's 4-0 dismantling of Everton last Sunday, continuing his remarkable renaissance since Unai Emery was appointed.

As the Scot prepares to make an emotional return to former club Hibernian in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie, we turn the spotlight on the popular 28-year-old.

A new role

Villa's turnaround under Emery is well documented and the Spaniard's role in changing McGinn's fortunes is a key reason for that improvement.

The Scotland international, made captain by predecessor Steven Gerrard, had lost his place in Villa's XI by the time Emery's first game against Manchester United came around last November after a dismal season to that point.

But having been slowly integrated back into the side in a new wide midfield position — as opposed to the deeper role he was previously being played in — he is one of the first names on the team sheet once again.

Taking up an advanced position on the left or right gets the best out of all of McGinn's qualities — his bursting runs, physicality and his underrated passing range.

And as we saw with Sunday's opener against the Toffees, he is now looking to develop a knack for popping up in the box and scoring himself.

Villa's heartbeat

Ambitious Villa are now seen as one of the clubs capable of disrupting the traditional Premier League hierarchy but it is easy to forget their rapid rise from the Championship only five years ago.

McGinn was signed by Steve Bruce for a reported £3million at the start of their promotion season in 2018-19 — their third consecutive campaign in the second tier — and became an instant fan favourite.

Signs of that energetic, swashbuckling rough diamond covering every blade of grass back then are still evident in his game today but under Emery he has become more disciplined — picking his moments to strike.

On his skipper, Emery said: "Now I think he would cost more than before. His career is getting better and better.

"It is good because John McGinn is always positive in the dressing room, always happy, always demanding, always committed with his team-mates."

Hibs homecoming

Being fondly remembered by multiple clubs always reflects positively on a player and McGinn will no doubt receive a good reception from his former fans at Easter Road this evening.

The 56-cap international spent three years in Edinburgh before his switch to Villa Park, playing every minute of Hibs' run to Scottish Cup glory in 2015-16.

But while there is no bad feeling towards their former hero, McGinn knows tonight's hosts will not roll over and make it easy for him and his renowned Villa team-mates on his return.

On the prospect of facing his old side, McGinn said: "When the draw came out, I was delighted.

"It will be nice to see the supporters and thank them for what was an amazing three years.

"But at the same time, when the whistle goes, I hope they're cursing and swearing at me and treating me like a normal opponent!"

Ex-team-mate Lewis Stevenson insists tonight's encounter is "not the John McGinn show" but the left-back should be warned that when Villa play well, it is usually exactly that.