On a recent episode of the Whistleblowers podcast, Gordon Smart recalled an unusual and serious injury that John McGinn suffered during a prank in training. The incident involved McGinn being accidentally "speared" through the leg, a freak accident that could have ended his career.
Gordon Smart suggested that this challenging event inadvertently shaped McGinn into the player he is today:
"Sometimes these freak accidents can be a turning point in an athlete's career, forcing them to develop strength and mental toughness they might not have otherwise."
McGinn’s ability to bounce back from such adversity contributed significantly to his rise, eventually leading to his success with Aston Villa.
John McGinn’s remarkable recovery from a freak training injury played a crucial role in building the resilience and character that define his professional football career.