Aberdeen midfielder Niall McGinn hopes to prove Hibernian manager Neil Lennon was wrong to release him at Celtic when the Dons face Hibernian in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
Lennon opted against exercising an option to extend McGinn’s contract at Parkhead in 2012, instead allowing him to join Craig Brown’s Aberdeen on a free transfer.
McGinn had scored six goals in 36 appearances for the Hoops before being sent on loan to Brentford for the final 12 months of his time at the Glasgow club.
The Northern Ireland international had voiced his unhappiness about being left out of a Celtic pre-season tour to Australia by then Celtic manager Lennon just days before signing a loan deal with the Bees.
McGinn is looking forward to facing up to his former manager Lennon, who has guided Hibs to the Championship title in his first season in charge at Easter Road.
He said: “I was with Lenny for a couple of years at Celtic.
“I played quite a bit under him initially and then there was a stage in my last six months when I didn’t play and I knew my career was going elsewhere.
“I wouldn’t change what happened for the world as things have worked out great for me.
“Lenny will bring heart and determination to Hibs.
“He will have them playing the right football.
“He will know he is coming up against a good side in Aberdeen.
“He has done a good job and has a good squad so we know we are for a very tough game.”
McGinn sat out Saturday’s 2-1 victory against St Johnstone as a precaution.
The 29-year-old sustained a slight groin injury in the 3-0 defeat by Rangers but is expected to be fully fit to face Hibs this weekend.
He added: “Hibernian are a really good side.
“They are full of players we have played against before who have been in the league with us.
“It is a semi-final and it will be about who performs on the day.
“It is about showing up and taking care of business.
“We know we are in for a very tough day but it is a game we are looking forward to.”