John McGinn details 'honest chat' with Steven Gerrard amid Aston Villa European hopes

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has opened up regarding an 'honest chat' he had with Steven Gerrard as the two look to align their goals and ambitions moving forward.

McGinn, 27, has mirrored the form of Villa as a squad this season after struggling to consistently perform at the levels his quality can allow but did provide fans with a vintage performance in yesterday's 2-0 win against Norwich City. In 90 minutes McGinn recorded one key pass, an 83 per cent pass accuracy, ten duels won, four long balls completed and six tackles made.

McGinn will be hoping he can replicate this performance more frequently in the future as he aims to contribute to Steven Gerrard's long term ambition of dragging the club back into contention for European football.

Speaking on his relationship with the new boss who was appointed in November, McGinn said: "We had an honest chat and the gaffer wanted me to give myself the best opportunity to get the best out of what I have.

“So I’ve been a lot more professional over the last 12 months, trying to become the best athlete I can be. I get a bit hungry at times! But hopefully in the long run it can benefit me as a player.

“I said to the gaffer that if I didn’t have this backside I’d be playing in the Lowland League. He had a laugh at that. But we’ve got an understanding that as long as I give it my best shot – and keep the size of my backside – we’ll be fine.

“Since the manager came in he has been first class with me. As a midfielder I’m learning all the time here at Aston Villa. Having him and Gary McAllister to learn from – two of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders – that’s priceless for me.

“I feel I’m getting better all the time. Some people might not think that but I certainly