Michael hails the McGlynn factor for putting his career back on right track
MICHAEL McKENNA will always be grateful to the McGlynn family for putting the spark back in his football career.
The Livingston midfielder candidly concedes he was not good enough to join a professional club at the age of 17 and gave up on the game altogether to become an electrician, saying: “I didn’t kick a ball in three years.”
But the 23-year-old footballer is now just 90 minutes away from the Petrofac Training Cup final after reigniting his love for the game and making a fairytale rise from junior football.
Former Musselburgh Athletic gaffer David McGlynn, nephew of Lions boss John, was first to show faith in the waspish winger, inviting McKenna in for training at Olivebank.
He did enough to earn a contract at the Burgh – drawn up by chairman Charlie McGlynn, John’s older brother – before a series of sensational displays saw him win a move to Almondvale in the close season.
McKenna said: “I’ve been a late developer. At 17 I wasn’t ready for it. I feel it is the right time now. I dropped out of the game for three years and went away to work as an electrician.
“I did a lot of work away from home so professional football was not a priority. I didn’t kick a ball for three years and never dreamt I would play again – even at amateur level.
“I did miss it and eventually phoned the Musselburgh manager to ask if I could train. Slowly the bug came back and I joined.
“The manager there was John’s nephew, David, and John’s brother was the chairman. So there are plenty of family connections there.
“David has a lot of similar theories and training drills to John so that was brilliant.
“He definitely developed me as a player and I started to look after myself off the pitch, becoming more mature and professional. David was a big part of that.
“I’ve a got a good relationship with John and David. I’d say John’s man-management is slightly better. David liked a wee shout and bawl – although he won’t like me saying that!
“The McGlynn connection is maybe the reason I got my chance, everyone needs a bit of luck. I think everything just happened at the right time for me.”
McKenna is adamant more league clubs should look to the junior ranks, insisting there are plenty of players ready to step up.
He believes Musselburgh, now managed by Stevie McLeish after David McGlynn joined Bonnyrigg Rose, could be a goldmine for SPFL sides.
He said: “I hope I can set an example. There are a lot of great players in junior football and they’d get even better with full- time training, especially physically and in t erm s of technique.
“Speaking from experience, there are a few players at Musselburgh who have the talent. They just need a chance.”
McKenna is unashamedly honest about who he would like to face in the final, should Livi beat Stranraer tomorrow.
He added: “To play Rangers in a final, with more fans and all the nterest would be an unbelievable eeling.
“Hopefully we can ake care of Sunday nd, if we are honest, ou would want to ay Rangers.”
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