Call-up for Conor to Nations League

Call-up for Conor to Nations League

1 June 2022

DOWNPATRICK footballer Conor McMenamin is currently living the dream after being selected to represent his country at the Nations League.

McMenamin (26) received the call-up from Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough after impressing during a recent four-day camp in England.

“It’s a dream come true to represent your country,” said McMenamin.

“It was a good feeling and great reward for the season I’ve had. I’m scoring goals and feeling confident.”

The Glentoran wing wizard is reaping the benefits of a sensational season at the Oval, in which he scored 22 times.

McMenamin made the switch to the east Belfast side from Cliftonville, despite interest from Larne. The transfer was made in very last minute fashion but the appeal of moving to Glentoran as a full-time footballer, in contrast to semi-professional elsewhere in the Irish League, was enough to make the local talent put pen to paper.

“The full-time training has also really helped me. It was great to train with the boys and it’s great for the Irish League,” said McMenamin. 

“If you’re doing well, you will be noticed, and the manager is not afraid to select an Irish League player.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland boss says there is big things in store for McMenamin, tipping him for a move across the waters.

“He’s still developing as a player, he’s only 26 and they say the prime of a player is around 28,29, so he’s got a few years to get even better and he may get a move,” said Baraclough.

“Glentoran fans won’t be thankful of me saying that but going to Scotland or England to play is not out of his reach.

“This is a message to everyone wherever they play, they still have a chance, and I will give players from the Irish League an opportunity,” he continued.

“We haven’t a big enough pool of players that allows us to discount anyone. Conor has got a great attitude to the game.”

McMenamin joins Killyleagh ‘keeper Trevor Carson among the panel of players travelling to Greece tomorrow where the Downpatrick man will be hoping to earn his first cap for his country.

Northern Ireland are then due to take on Cyprus on Sunday before another away game against Kosovo on June 9.