McNeil could face Real Madrid

Published on Friday 10 July 2009 22:54

FREED Hibs goalkeeper Andy McNeil could find himself facing Real Madrid superstars Kaka, Christiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema later this month after accepting an invitation to turn out for Shamrock Rovers.

The 22-year-old will feature as a trialist for the Dublin outfit against Newcastle United this afternoon as he steps up his bid to find a new club.

The former Scotland under-21 internationalist has been asked by former Easter Road favourite and Shamrock manager Michael O'Neill to play in the friendly as he weighs up the possibility of a move to Irish football.

McNeil began training with Raith Rovers this week to keep up his fitness as he searches for a fresh start after being released by departed Easter Road manager Mixu Paatelainen at the end of last season. If he impresses against Newcastle, McNeil knows he could find himself in the firing line when Shamrock welcome Real Madrid to Tallaght Stadium on 20 July.

However, the youngster, who helped steer Hibs to their CIS Cup triumph of 2007, insists he is simply keen to showcase his ability this afternoon as he bids to keep himself in full-time football. He said: "The Newcastle game is quite a glamorous friendly and I'm happy to get the chance to play. I want to stay full-time and play at the best level I can and, for me, it's about doing well on Saturday and taking things from there. I spoke to Michael O'Neill and he said he's interested to see what I'm about. It's an opportunity for me to show what I'm capable of and to see what Shamrock are like as a club.

"People have been saying to me if things work out then I could find myself playing against Real Madrid but, to be honest, I'm not really thinking that far ahead at the moment."