Locals shine

Locals shine

15 June 2022

LOCAL supporters of the Northern Ireland national football team have been glued to their screens recently as they watched both Conor McMenamin and Trevor Carson star in the Nations League.

Downpatrick-native McMenamin has burst onto the international scene and is beginning to cement a place in NI boss Ian Baraclough’s squad following his impressive performances against Cyprus and Kosovo.

“It’s been great for me, my family, club and Irish League in general,” said McMenamin. 

“When I got the call-up and opportunity to play, I just wanted to play my game and keep doing what I have been doing for Glentoran.

“Hopefully I have done enough to impress the manager.”

McMenamin earned his first cap a fortnight ago, coming on as a substitute against Cyprus in a frustrating 0-0 draw in Larnaca.

However, the Glentoran wing wizard was highly praised for the impact he made thanks to his direct style of play and eagerness to go for goal which resulted in him being awarded the Flashscore International man of the match accolade on his debut.

This performance was rewarded with a place in the starting line-up against Kosovo last Thursday, although this unfortunately ended in a 3-2 defeat.

Still, the 26 year-old managed to stay on the pitch for the duration and record a full 90 minutes under his belt before he was again selected to start, this time for Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Windsor Park against Cyprus.

The Nations League will resume in September with Northern Ireland currently sitting third in their group with two games to play.

“The aim for me is to stay in the squad and hopefully I can do that by maintaining my form and have a good start to next season,” said McMenamin.

“Hopefully, I will be in the squad in September and if I’m doing well for my club then I will be in contention for the international side.

“If you don’t learn from the likes of Steven Davis, Paddy McNair and Jonny Evans, you will never learn. The training sessions are sharper and they make you a better player.”

He added: “You need to be on your toes and it’s been a great experience which has hopefully made me a better player.”

Meanwhile Killyleagh ‘keeper Trevor Carson also made the starting 11 against Cyprus ahead of Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

The local custodian is no stranger to the international stage having featured in his country’s ranks since the U-17s as well as having made eight first team appearances.

The 34 year-old also performed solidly by all accounts considering this was his first cap in 13 months for the national team and couldn’t be placed as blame for either of the goals he conceded.

It has been a memorable last few weeks for Carson, who is also making moves at club level having recently transferred from Dundee United to St Mirren at the end of May.

The shot-stopper penned a two-year deal and rejoined manager Stephen Robinson, having previous worked with him at Motherwell and Morecombe, as well as in the international setup.