Call-off could end Bluetoon’s player pursuit
New Zealand’s postponement of next month’s international friendly with England could scupper a surprise move by Peterhead to sign former Celtic, Dunfermline and Motherwell midfielder, Michael Mcglinchey.
The 33- year- old, who has picked up 54 caps for the All Whites, is a free-agent after ending a second stint at Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
He first joined the Aussie club in 2009, and Mcglinchey also turned out for Japanese side Vegalta Sendai and New Zealand outfit Wellington Phoenix.
The Scotland Under- 21 cap – who was born in Wellington when his father Norrie played over there – returned to Scotland this summer and was recently on trial at Morton.
When a move to Cappielow fell through, Mcglinchey contacted his former youth coach at Celtic, Jim Mcinally, who now manages the Blue Toon and he has been training with the Balmoor side.
Turning out for the League 2 side was an option as Mcglinchey was keen to ensure that he was in good condition to play at Wembley.
However, with that game called off due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Mcinally knows that other clubs could now step in with full- time Queen’s Park believed to be keen.
The Blue Toon boss said: “Michael has been in working with us, and you can tell that he is a quality player.
“He had a real focus on being ready to play for New Zealand against England at Wembley on November 13 and we were looking to see what we could do to help him with that.
“I would still be keen to have talks about a longer stay at Peterhead.
“But the postponement of the England game could give him time to look elsewhere.”