After only two Hyundai A-League matches for the Mariners, Michael McGlinchey is loving life on the Central Coast and is desperate to continue his impressive form.
He had heard little about the Hyundai A-League and travelling so far was a daunting prospect for the former Scotland youth international.
But now, after only two Hyundai A-League matches for the Mariners, McGlinchey is loving life on the Central Coast and is desperate to continue his impressive form.
He gets another chance to show off his impressive skills in midfield when the Mariners host unbeaten Sydney in a Round 3 clash at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Saturday.
For McGlinchey the chance to play first-team football every week is what he has been craving for years.
As a teenager he signed his first professional contract with Scottish glamour club Celtic.
He played one Premier League match for the club but became disillusioned and frustrated sitting on the bench.
He needed a fresh challenge and that’s when the Mariners stepped in.
“I just wanted to play every week and wasn’t getting that chance with Celtic,” he said.
“I got my agent to contact clubs in Australia and the Mariners gave me a chance. So far I’m loving it.”
“I couldn’t be happier on and off the field, I love the coast. It’s a great lifestyle and the club has been great to me.”
While Hyundai A-League glory with the Mariners is his main mission, McGlinchey also has his sights on international success.
In another major boost for the creative midfielder he has also been named in New Zealand’s squad for a friendly against Jordan next month.
McGlinchey qualified to play for the Kiwis as he was born in Wellington when his father was playing in New Zealand in the late 1980s.
The family spent nine months in New Zealand before returning to Scotland.
“That’s very exciting, a real bonus,” he said of surprise call-up to Ricki Herbert’s national squad.
But for now his main focus is on helping the Mariners remain unbeaten with another strong display against the Sydneysiders.
“I’ve seen highlights of their two wins, they look like a very good side,” he said.
“We’ll have to be at our best.”
