The Villa skipper has been out of action since earlier this year - and his absence has coincided with a dip in form that has seen Villa drop out of the Premier League title race.
They are still very much in the hunt for a Champions League spot - and are still aiming for success in the Europa League.
McGinn played a starring role as Villa booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a 2-0 win over Lille.
The Scotland midfielder's opener early in the second half was followed by a late Leon Bailey strike.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Villa captain was asked if he has felt more pressure when returning to the side - having been out injured alongside fellow key midfielders Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara.
"I think it felt more like responsibility, to get back going again," explained McGinn.
"It is different when the team is not doing well and you are in the physio room.
John McGinn scored as Aston Villa saw off Lille in the Europa League (David Davies/PA).
"Our of the three of us, I have been fortunate to have the least amount of time off, and I got over it pretty quickly.
"In the past I have made mistakes and cut corners to try and get back too quickly but I didn't do that this time."
It was a difficult first period for Villa as they struggled to break down their French visitors.
But a tweak at half time from Unai Emery saw Villa go more direct and have more success - with the hosts having further chances to make the game even more comfortable.
McGinn added: "It was a slow first half, personally as well I was trying to get back up to speed.
"It was not a pretty performance but the main thing is we are into the quarter final and we are excited for it.
"They defended very well, set up defensively to keep it tight until they brought their more attacking players on.
"We went more direct second half, tweaked it at half time and it paid dividends."