Stephen McGinn explains reasons behind shock departure from Hibs

Stephen McGinn has revealed his desperation to play regular first-team football was the driving factor behind his surprising loan move to Greenock Morton.

The 32-year-old completed a switch until the end of the season with the Championship club on Friday evening, which could signal the end of his time at Easter Road with his contract up in the summer.

McGinn was signed earlier this campaign to provide depth at the central midfield position and help out with the coaching staff. However, he hadn’t made a first-team appearance since the January draw with Celtic, so when new ‘Ton boss Gus MacPherson called with the opportunity to play regularly in the second tier he jumped at the chance.

He said: “I had my bags packed to go to Ross County and the manager phoned Jack Ross to ask my availability. When he asked about me coming here and playing, I was just desperate. I miss playing.

Stephen McGinn making his debut for Morton away to Dunfermline on Saturday. Picture: SNS

“I thanked Jack on Friday night. I’ve been helping him out with things behind the scenes and it’s left him a body short, so I thanked him for allowing me this opportunity.

“I was delighted to see Hibs’ result when I got in after our game – so I probably wasn’t needed!”

While Hibs were winning in the Highlands, McGinn was making his Morton debut in the 1-0 defeat at Dunfermline. The older brother of Paul and John doesn’t know what the future is going to bring, but he knows he’s not ready to hang up the boots just yet

He continued: “That was my first game since December but I felt really good. It’ll be the last time I’m happy after a defeat but I’ve just missed it that much that I really enjoyed being back out there.

“I’m out of contract at Hibs in the summer. It’s a tough one, in the life of a footballer no-one taps you on the shoulder and tells you your body’s about to be finished. You’ve honestly got to go with your gut and whether you’re enjoying it.

“I’ve been doing a lot of stuff off the park and helping with a bit of the coaching. But that feeling and that buzz you get when you’re playing, people always tell you not to quit too early. And that’s how I feel right now.”

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