Stephen McGinn joins Kilmarnock after Hibs exit despite Morton interest

Stephen McGinn has joined Kilmarnock on a one-year deal following his departure from Hibs.

Stephen McGinn moved to Morton on loan last season from Hibs. Picture: SNS

The midfielder joins Tommy Wright’s side despite reported interest from Morton after the 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Cappielow.

Speaking to Killie’s website McGinn, who won the Championship in 2018 with St Mirren, said: “As soon as I heard about the club’s interest then I wanted it done right away.

“The chance to play for Kilmarnock who are the biggest club in the league, and the chance to work with Tommy Wright, really appealed to me and I’m just delighted to join.

“Winning the Championship with St Mirren was one of the favourite seasons of my career and I felt I thrived while dealing with the mental pressure of challenging for a title, which have those moments where you need to turn draws into wins.

“After speaking to the manager and hearing about the season ticket sales, it really feels as though the supporters are buying into what’s happening at the club and if we can keep everyone pulling in the same direction then that can be a really powerful thing.”

Wright added: “As we continue to build our new team, we’ve brought in players in their early or mid-twenties but experience is also important and Stephen knows what it is like to win the Championship.

“I believe that experience will be invaluable and I really like the way Stephen plays the game.

“All the players we’ve added so far have shown a great determination and enthusiasm for getting the club back to the Premiership and Stephen was really keen to join and be part of something here.”

The brother of Scotland hero John and Hibs right-back Paul, McGinn joined Jack Ross’ side in September last year in a player-coach role and scored once in nine appearances.

However, frustrated with his lack of playing opportunities, he lobbied for a move to Morton when the Championship side came calling in March.

The former St Mirren and Watford star spoke at the time for his desire to keep playing regularly in the twilight years of his career and will get that opportunity in Ayrshire.

McGinn is Kilmarnock’s sixth summer signing after Blair Alston, Daniel Armstrong, Euan Murray, Scott Robinson, and Jack Sanders.

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