NEW Hibernian midfielder John McGinn has lifted the lid on the horrific training ground prank that saw him speared in the thigh by a pole, and admitted it could have been worse.

The Scotland Under-21 captain has not kicked a ball since former St Mirren team-mate Steven Thompson accidentally impaled him in April, but is hoping to be included in the squad for today's opening Ladbrokes Championship match at Dumbarton.

Thompson admitted he was "mortified" after leaving the talented 20-year-old with a gaping wound in his leg. And speaking for the first time about the incident, McGinn, who joined Hibs last week as a free agent after the Leith side paid Saints a six-figure compensation fee, said: "At the time, all I could think about was 'is my leg going to be okay?'. Thankfully the doctor was on the scene right away and I'll be forever grateful to Gerry Canning for being on the spot.

"The physios and staff were really good. Thankfully it missed the serious muscles in my leg or it could have been a lot worse. There was a lot of blood, but I can't really remember much because it happened so quickly.

"I just remember looking down, I was glad the pole came back out. I’ll be keeping an eye out for them in the future!

"But it wasn't ideal. I'm just glad to have moved on and fully recovered. I'm lucky in that it could have been worse.

I was only out for six to eight weeks, which was good. I've got a scar but it's only small."

McGinn admits he is itching to return to action and is hoping he has done enough to convince head coach Alan Stubbs he is ready after his first full week on the training pitch with his new employers.

He added: "It's been really tough, ever since the injury, I just missed football. I haven't played any sort of game since April and that's why I'm not being rushed back in. I need to be ready.

"I missed an awful lot and it's just good to be back on the training pitch. Selfishly though, I'd like to be involved at the weekend but it's up to the manager.

"It could be a few months before the Hibs fans see the best of me but they should know I'll be working as hard as I can with all the staff here to make sure I’m in the best shape I can be."

Stubbs played a key role in turning midfielder Scott Allan's career around last season and McGinn is hoping the former Celtic defender can help take him to the next level.

McGinn, who also trained with Owen Coyle's Houston Dynamo during the summer and was wanted at Dundee United, added: "I wasn't rushing into anything and making a silly decision. I speak to my family about everything and we all thought Hibs was a no-brainer.

"I wasn't desperate to leave St Mirren but I didn't develop in the last year the way I had in the two previous to that. I needed a fresh start and hopefully I can develop under this manager because he's really impressed me.

"He said to me that he gives his players the freedom to play and you could see that last year. I'm looking forward to being part of that."

Stubbs is adamant that McGinn is not a long-term replacement for want-away playmaker Allan after Rangers failed with a third bid last week. And McGinn is hoping he can form a formidable midfield partnership with the 23-year-old this season.

He added: "The club's stance is clear. Scott is a quality player and one I'd rather be playing beside than against.

"I've enjoyed training with him and I hope that continues. He got a good reception when he came on last week against Montrose and it always helps. He was a pleasure to watch."

Hibs are expected to battle it out with Rangers for the Ladbrokes Championship title this season but McGinn reckons the Leith outfit have the resources to take the chequered flag.

He added: "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't believe that Hibs could win the league. Rangers have strengthened but so have Hibs, St Mirren and other teams.

"Our main aim is to get promoted and I would like a Championship medal, not a play-off one."