NIALL MCGINN

A quick chat with...

HE has numerous titles and accolades to his name throughout his career but Niall Mcginn is not your typical professional footballer.

The Co Tyrone man has always remained true to his roots and grounded despite his success playing for Derry City, Celtic and Aberdeen as well as scoring crucial goals and representing Northern Ireland at international level.

We decided to put Niall under the spotlight to find a bit more about his path into professional football, how he almost ended up as a PE teacher and how he still washed cars in his home town even after signing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

What is your fondest memory of growing up/living in Northern Ireland?

I think just playing both soccer and Gaelic football all the time. I was always active and into sports. I also enjoyed just being a kid at both primary and secondary school, they are the best days of your life.

Where is your favourite place in Northern Ireland to escape from it all?

Probably up around the North Coast, Portrush and probably Newcastle and around the Mourne Mountains. The best thing about Belfast is...

I think the people. The atmosphere and the place in general. There’s always something to do. When I’m home I would spend a lot of my time in and around Belfast.

The best meal you’ve had in a Northern Ireland restaurant?

Stix and Stones was lovely and I will have to say both my restaurants provide great meals. 26 West at the Kennedy centre and also Pizza on the Square in the city centre.

If you could invite three people alive or dead to a dinner party who would they be and why?

Jena Frumes because I fancy her, David Attenborough as he is a living legend and I’ve always been into wildlife and love his shows. And then David Beckham because he’s just an all-round cool guy.

Is there any other career path you wanted to pursue when you were younger?

I was studying Sport and Leisure Management in Belfast as I wanted to go on and become a PE teacher. Halfway through my second year of that course was when Derry City approached me to sign with them. I signed my first professional contract with them, so I had to leave my studies and follow my dream.

What’s the strangest job you’ve had in your lifetime?

Well, I have worked in a car wash which I loved. I’ve always been into my cars. I also worked in my local off-licence in Donaghmore and also a bar in Dungannon when I was a student.

If you had to choose one, what reality TV programme would you appear on and why?

I’m A Celebrity, it seems fun and would be interesting to see how I get on as I hate rats and snakes.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know

So when I signed for Celtic in December 2008 I had a few weeks off before I moved across to Glasgow in January 2009. I actually was home and I still decided to wash cars before I moved across. Considering I had just signed for one of the biggest clubs in the world I wanted to remain humble.

Favourite place to go for a drink in Northern Ireland?

Cathedral Quarter probably. I like bars with live music and somewhere you’re able to have a chat with your mates.

How would you like to be remembered?

Just how I have always been. A normal lad from Donaghmore in Cotyrone who has gone on to have a great career both at club football and of course international level which was all down to hard work and dedication.