Michael McGlinchey hopes his move back to Scotland with Motherwell will earn him a place in New Zealand’s squad for the World Cup. The former Celtic youngster signed on at Fir Park this week from Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners, on a loan deal until the end of the season.
McGlinchey, 23, had represented Scotland up to under 21 level but switched his allegiance to his country of birth in 2009 and made his All Whites debut soon after against Jordan.
With three caps now under his belt and a call-up already secured to a friendly match against Mexico in Los Angeles in March, the midfielder hopes that by keeping himself match fit, he can guarantee selection in Ricki Herbert’s squad for South Africa in June.
“This is one of the reasons I have come back,” revealed McGlinchey. “I think sitting about wouldn’t have done me any good for three months, so I have come here. Hopefully I will be playing a bit and I can get some experience.”
Taking McGlinchey under his wing will be a man with plenty international experience to pass down to his new charge – Craig Brown. The former Scotland boss took over from Jim Gannon in December and has transformed Motherwell’s fortunes and it was his presence that convinced the player to swap Australia’s Central Coast for Lanarkshire.
“It’s massive,” McGlinchey said of Brown’s influence on his decision. “That was one of the reasons that, when I sat down with my family and talked about it, I decided to come to Motherwell. I can only gain experience and confidence under a manager like that.”
Next up for the Steelmen is the visit from Rangers in the SPL on Wednesday night and, as a former Celtic prospect, McGlinchey is itching to be involved if Brown selects him.
“They [Motherwell] have been winning the last few games and I think they are trying to get in the top six,” he said. “Hopefully I can add a little bit to the team and we can get there.
“I would love to get the call to play but that’s always the manager’s decision. The team have been winning but if I am asked I will be ready.
“Rangers are a great team but we are going to take them onto this pitch and hopefully cause an upset.”
