John McGinn backs 'priceless' Tammy Abraham to hit 30-goal mark for Aston Villa

The on loan Chelsea star took his tally for the campaign to 19 with a brace in Saturday’s vital 2-1 win over Ipswich.

Abraham needs just one more goal to become the first player to net 20 in a league campaign for Villa since Peter Withe in 1981.

But midfield ace McGinn expects him to push on for an even greater landmark, as Villa look to close a gap on the top six which now stands at four points.

He said: “Someone of Tammy’s quality, scoring goals at such a rate, is priceless. There is no reason he can’t go and get 30-plus goals this season.

“If he does that and we are not in the top six, I would be surprised.”

Abraham turned down the chance to cut short his season-long loan at Villa and join Wolves earlier in January.

McGinn insists the 21-year-old was in no way affected by the talk over his future.

The Scot explained: “Tammy is a pretty chilled guy and just got on with his business as normal.

“He watched Sky Sports News a few times and just laughed. I think he knew, in himself, he wanted to be here.

“He is enjoying his football and that is great for us. I tried to get it out of him (what was happening) but he wouldn’t tell me. I was trying to do my Jim White but it didn’t work!

“Thankfully it seems to have passed now and he can keep scoring until the end of the season.”

Abraham is also on course to better the 23 goals he scored while on loan in the Championship at Bristol City two seasons ago.

McGinn continued: “I think in any team if someone scores that rate of goals, there are going to be suitors. We are just grateful to have him here at the minute.

“It’s crazy to think he is only 21 and has many years left to bang in goals. He has been brave a few times to go out on loan.

“Some players could sit at Chelsea comfortably and enjoy the lifestyle in and around the first-team.

“He is brave to come and try it again in the Championship. Both times he has been top drawer.

“Hopefully in the summer he will get a chance at Chelsea. If not, he can come back here!”