CULLED KEEPER SUPPORTING BROTHER
MICHAEL MCGOVERN’S younger brother Joe hopes to make a late dash back from the Euros this week in a bid to land himself a new club.
The 22-year-old, released by Dundee United at the end of last season, is all booked up to cheer his sibling on at all three of Northern Ireland’s group games, starting with today’s clash with Poland in Nice.
But, after taking part in the first two days of PFA Scotland’s Exit camp on Wednesday and Thursday, he is now keen to jet back mid-trip to keep goal in Saturday’s Showcase game at Broadwood.
“It is something I am definitely going to look into with my family when I am over there because I have been really impressed by the camp,” he said.
“Northern Ireland are playing in three different cities – Nice, Lyon and Paris – so the logistics aren’t the most straightforward. Also, there is high demand for flights but, hopefully, we can get something sorted out.
“I think some 32 of the 34 who were involved in last year’s game found themselves clubs with the likes of Raith Rovers, Dumbarton and East Fife.
“So it is clearly worth doing – it will just come down to whether or not I can swing it.
Previously with Enniskillen Town and also a loan player at Montrose, McGovern was part of the Tannadice cull which followed the club’s relegation to the Championship.
“It was tough news to hear, as you would imagine.
“I speak to Michael all the time, so I know his whole focus has been on getting into the best possible shape for the Euros.
“He is going to have to try to shut out the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller. If he plays well, he is going to have no shortage of options to choose from with these games being watched all around the world.
“I am sure he will do well, too, as he is a great keeper.”