Aston Villa's John McGinn admits that he has a lot of affection for Hibernian in Scotland.

The two clubs meet in the Europa Conference League play-offs over two legs in the coming week.

The first leg is on Wednesday, with McGinn heading back to Easter Road for the first time since leaving.

“I hope when the whistle goes, they are cussing and swearing at me and treating me like a normal opponent," he told reporters.

“It is very weird and strange but I am glad this has happened and is in front of us now.

“Hibs will be desperate to get through, we will be desperate to get through to the group stages.

“I have a lot of friends in the Hibs team and we will have a chat before the game and after the game. But when the whistle goes, it is football and we all want to achieve the same things.

“I will be doing my best for Villa to take a good result back home. I expect the fans to be no different. Maybe there will be a wee appreciation when my name's read out. But once that is finished, their focus will be on Hibs winning."