John McGinn is hoping Villa Park proves a fortress for he and his team-mates once again as Aston Villa prepare to take on Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Villans welcome the Magpies to B6 looking to further close the gap on the Champions League spots of the Premier League table, while aiming to extend their 18-match unbeaten run on home soil in all competitions.
McGinn was spurred on by the incredible support from the stands in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg tie against PSG on Tuesday, and believes the home supporters can again play a big part in this weekend's "six-pointer".
He said: “It gives us massive confidence. We’re really strong at home. We’ve made it a tough place to come, especially over the past few seasons.
“But Newcastle are playing really well. They’re strong, they’re a tough team to play against.
“I think our record against them at Villa Park over the past few seasons is strong, and they hammered us at St James’ Park earlier this season.
“We know how important the game is. They’re in probably their best run of the season since winning the cup, so it’s a huge game for both teams.
“They’re obviously five points ahead of us but it’s our job to try and close that gap and stay on their toes.
“Definitely, Saturday is a massive game, a six-pointer really.”
Reflecting further now the dust has settled on Villa’s Champions League exit, the skipper reiterated his pride in how the side conducted themselves during a first campaign in Europe’s elite competition for 42 years.
The Scotland international felt the Paris outfit came up against the full force of Villa Park and how difficult a place it can be to visit, and hopes the positives can drive Unai Emery’s side forward further for the remainder of the season.
The 30-year-old added: “Looking back over the campaign, we can be delighted.
“We felt we had more, we felt we could have progressed to the semi-final, but over the season, we put in a really good performance.
“I think, for us, it was to put ourselves back on the map in European football, and compete with the best teams and best players, and I think we managed to do that.
“I think PSG were a little bit shocked and surprised. After they went 2-0 up, I think they thought they were going to have an easy night.
“But credit to the lads. We dug deep, and we proved that Villa Park is a really tough place to come.”
