Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty is keen to show his worth as he begins the Republic of Ireland Under-21 training camp this morning after helping the Bit O’ Red get through to the quarter-finals of the Extra.ie FAI Cup last night.
McGinty was part of the Rovers side which secured a 3-1 victory over the Students.
He told sligorovers.com: “It is great to get through. We knew we were playing a good side but we also know we’re playing well ourselves. At 1-0 down we kept playing and eventually got on top. The goals came as they have been doing from all of the boys so we’re really happy to get through to the quarter-finals.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. If we drop our standards we won’t be winning games. You see how good UCD can be and it’s the same in the league. Every game is tough. We’re winning because we’re working hard, on and off-the-ball. That is what is important to getting these results. As long as we keep doing that we’ll have a chance of keeping the run going. “
McGinty played some excellent passes from the Rovers goal to Junior and Ronan Coughlan in particular.
He is working on such a tactic regularly each day at The Showgrounds.
“That is what we practice is training when it comes to distribution. We can play it over the top and get them on the break. We have a lot of players with pace.
“We talk about it, putting it in behind and get players in or for them to chase it.”
While Rovers have secured five wins in six, and with some excellent defensive and goalkeeping displays, clean sheets have not been as regular with a deflected goal last night, a late penalty against Dundalk and a last-minute goal against Shels. It has been somewhat unfortunate, but goals have been flying it at the other end.
McGinty is unperturbed by how the wins are coming, as long as they keep doing so.
“It’s funny, it doesn’t bother me to be honest with you. All I care about is winning games. My first priority is for the team to win.
“If we win, and a clean sheet comes along with it, then happy days. But as long as the team does enough to get a victory, then I’m happy.”
The recently-turned 21-year-old travelled north after the game last night to be part of Jim Crawford’s group where he will be one of three goalkeepers, alongside Gavin Bazunu of Manchester City and Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.
The Rovers goalkeeper has more club experience than the rest of the squad and is eager to show his value to the group in the training camp.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m really honoured to be involved and have my name in there. I want to show what I can do. I’m sure I’ll learn some new things being in the international camp but I’m travelling up to show what I can do and see where it can get me.
“The gaffer [Liam Buckley] has trusted me here. He gives me great confidence. He really believes in me and he has been brilliant to work under and Leo (Tierney as well). I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s nice to be progressing as a team and for myself as well.”