Roy Keane has come under fire after branding Scotland hero John McGinn a 'pub player', prompting a furious response from former Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor.
Keane's Controversial Comments
Manchester United legend Keane made the remarks on a podcast earlier this week, stating: 'McGinn is one of these fellas, when he has his bad days, he does look like a pub player. When he's off it, he's shocking. I've watched him long enough. When he's bad, wow. But you'd have him in your group. Absolutely.'
The comments angered both Scotland and Aston Villa fans, given McGinn's pivotal role in Villa's recent Europa League triumph, where he captained the side to glory. The 31-year-old has been a consistent performer since joining from Hibernian for £2.75 million in 2018.
Agbonlahor's Blistering Response
Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor did not hold back: 'I've got a bone to pick with Roy Keane because he said when John McGinn's not at it, he's a pub player. That just sums up Roy Keane. It says to me, tell me you don't watch Aston Villa every week without telling me. John McGinn, every game, is at it.'
Agbonlahor added: 'He's never a pub player. John McGinn is the most reliable player. Game after game, seven or eight out of 10. So Roy Keane, be quiet mate.'
Agbonlahor Slams Keane's Coaching
Agbonlahor, who played under Keane when he was assistant manager at Aston Villa in 2014, also criticised Keane's coaching abilities. 'Not a great coach. Look at his coaching career, he's not done well. He wasn't a great coach. Anger issues. Different generation of players.'
He recalled a bizarre incident: 'I remember after a game at QPR he got a can of Red Bull and threw it across the shower. He was like, 'Red Bull, I see you all drinking it, it doesn't work. Do the science!' He went on this tantrum. My face was like, I'm going to burst out laughing here. But apparently in one of his books, he wrote 'I have a Red Bull before every game'. Make your mind up Roy... which one is it mate?'
The feud has added fuel to the debate over McGinn's quality, with Agbonlahor firmly defending the Scotland international's reputation.
