Several months ago Central Coast Mariners midfielder Michael McGlinchey was without a contract and unsure if he had a long-term future in the sport.
Now the former Celtic player is firing for the Mariners and might even represent New Zealand at next year’s World Cup if the All Whites can overcome Bahrain in their two-legged home-and-away qualifier playoff starting next Saturday in Manama.
It has been an amazing three months for McGlinchey.
He will be out to continue his outstanding form when the Mariners take on Sydney FC in the A-League at the Sydney Football Stadium on Monday.
It will be a busy day for McGlinchey.
Straight after playing for the Mariners he will head to Sydney airport so he can link with his New Zealand team-mates ahead of the first leg of the World Cup qualifier against in the Bahraini capital.
McGlinchey, who was born in Scotland, is eligible to play with the Kiwis as he was born while his father was playing in New Zealand in the late 1980s.
It has been a roller-coaster season for the creative midfielder.
“Everything has fallen into place, things have worked out brilliantly,” McGlinchey said.
“I came to the Mariners hoping just to play every week and the whole World Cup thing with New Zealand is a bonus.”
“Playing at the World Cup would be unbelievable, it’s very exciting. I couldn’t ask for a better start with the Mariners.”
While admitting his possible inclusion in the New Zealand side for next week’s match with Bahrain was exciting, he said his main focus for the time being was helping the Mariners pick up three points on Monday.
“It’s a massive game for us, if we win we could be top so everyone is looking forward to it,” McGlinchey said.
McGlinchey’s consistent form in central midfield has been a key component in Central Coast’s impressive start to the season.
His ability to create chances for the strikers and willingness to get back and help the defence has impressed coach Lawrie McKinna.
“He has made a great career move coming to the A-League,” McKinna said.
“He’s a very clever player and does a lot of work off the ball.”
