McGinn to miss start of season

Celtic midfielder Niall McGinn will miss the start of pre-season training after breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot.

The Northern Ireland international, 22, is set to be out for two months after picking up the injury yesterday near the end of the last training session of the season.

McGinn missed the trip to Germany for tonight’s friendly against St Pauli in Hamburg and will still be recuperating when the rest of the Hoops’ players report back for duty at the beginning of July.

“It’s my fifth metatarsal,” the former Derry City player said. “I will see a specialist on Thursday to see if I need a cast or an operation, or both.

“It’s a big blow. It happened during a small game near the end of the session.

“It was going well until I went over on my foot when I went to hit a shot.

“I knew right away that I had done something wrong and the pain on the outside of my foot got worse.

“I couldn’t go to Germany which was disappointing.

“The physio said that it looks like a clean break and will heal well, which is encouraging.

“But I will miss the start of pre-season training and will have to play catch-up.

“I just hope my natural fitness can help me get me back as quickly as possible.

“The only positive thing is that I never picked up the injury during the season.

“I’m just sitting in the flat resting up, I can’t walk or drive.

“I was meant to go on holiday on Saturday but I’m not sure what will happen now.”