Derry say no to Celtic trial request

Last updated : 02 December 2008 By Mikbhoy

It was reported last week that McGinn, who made his international debut recently against Hungary, had been linked with a move to Celtic and he stated that he wouldn't be interested in moving from Derry to Scotland or England to play reserve team football.

Recently named Young Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, he is being watched by a host of clubs including Swansea City and he was a guest of the Welsh club at their weekend fixture against Cardiff.

Celtic signed midfielder Paddy McCourt from the Brandywell club during the summer and McCourt's alleged lack of fitness on his arrival at Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex and his subsequent failure to break into the first team may have led to Celtic's request for a closer look at McGinn.

"Celtic have enquired about Niall but there has been no bid yet," said McDaid "About a fortnight ago they asked to take him on a week's trial but we rejected that out of hand. We are not sending any players on trial."

"I was surprised by Celtic's request in that Niall is a full-time player playing in a professional league and he has just been named young player of the year." continued the Derry chairman "If any club wants him then they will have to make an offer. We've had a couple of offers from Championship clubs but neither have met our valuation. Niall has two years left on his contract so we would be happy for him to stay at Derry City. There are no deadlines or anything like that."