Ireland’s Euro hero Michael McGovern still on a high

NORTHERN Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern is focused on maintaining his club form to ensure he sees his Euro 2016 dream through. The 31-year-old Hamilton player helped Northern Ireland qualify for the finals for the first time with last week’s 3-1 victory over Greeceand is still on a high following the memorable night in Belfast, but knows he cannot afford to take his eye off the ball as Hamilton prepare to host Dundee today.
Michael McGovern. Picture: SNSMichael McGovern. Picture: SNS
Michael McGovern. Picture: SNS

“It was the best week in my career,” he said. “I enjoyed it so much. The whole experience of playing, qualifying – it’s been something else. It’s still a bit of a dream, still sinking in.

“Usually when you play in big games, one or two days afterwards you forget about it, but I’m still on a high a week after the game.

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“The reaction has been huge. It’s absolutely amazing, the amount of messages I’ve had and the things in the media. Even after the game, seeing people celebrate in the streets.

“It’s such a positive and I want to continue it on now with Hamilton and bring my confidence into the game on Saturday.”

Dundee manager Paul Hartley has warned his side that New Douglas Park is among the toughest venues to visit in Scotland.

Accies had not lost at home since February before falling 2-1 to Celtic earlier this month and sit fourth top of the Premiership.

Hartley said: “We know Hamilton have been good this season so all credit to them. It’s a tough game for anybody going there, including ourselves, as their results speak for themselves.

“They work as a good unit but they’ve got good players also who can cause the opposition trouble.

“They’re strong at home, too, which is a sign of any good team.

“We’ve been going quite well ourselves but again we are aware we’ll need to be at it for the 90 minutes.”