Former Scotland coach Alex McLeish can see Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn moving to a bigger club this summer.

McGinn has won plaudits south of the border for the aggression and drive he brings to Dean Smith's midfield but, while those characteristics form a key part of the player's make-up, McLeish was keen to point out they supplement the talent that was always there.

"There is always the obvious thing about John's determination and his desire which is clearly a big part of his make-up," said McLeish.

"It is also such a Scottish trait in many ways but ultimately there has to be more to you as a player than just that if you are going to go and perform in the English Premier League.

"It is the richest league in the world but it is also a consistently high standard.

"It can't just be about wanting to roll up your sleeves and go for it — John has worked his backside off to keep getting better and keep improving himself as a player.

"That desire to be a winner is great but it is also what fuels you when you are training and there aren't cameras or supporters there to see it.

"It is what motivates you to keep challenging yourself all of the time.

"I remember John played for Scotland against Portugal when I was in charge and he had his pocket picked a few times in the game. It was a friendly but against quality opposition. Since then, he has really worked on developing his core strength.

"He uses his backside just to try to protect the ball but he has really perfected how to do that and how to be a little bit more streetwise."

McLeish has maintained that McGinn's reputation demands that he would now command a top-dollar fee.

"When he first signed for Villa, I received a call from a local journalist to ask me about John and while I did not want him to make a big comparison and label him as the 'new' anyone, what I did say was that his style for me was reminiscent of Gareth Barry," said McLeish.

"He has that same physicality, eye for a goal and box-to-box energy that can be so influential.

"When you look at the money that changes hands in England, you wouldn't be surprised to see Villa say that he would be worth somewhere between the £30m and £40m mark.

"And what a bargain they must think they got when they signed him from Hibs two years ago. It's quite extraordinary."