Michael McGovern open to going to Euro 2016 without new deal

Michael McGovern: Willing to wait before deciding future. Picture: SNS

The Hamilton Accies No 1 underlined why he has been linked with moves to both Rangers and Aberdeen this season with one outstanding save in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Dundee United, one of his former clubs.

Now the 31 year-old has a decision to make as he reaches the end of his contract at Hamilton. Manager Martin Canning is hopeful of holding on to him but he has also conceded the club have to be realistic because the goalkeeper is bound to have options after starring for both Accies and Northern Ireland this season.

McGovern seems certain to move on and could command a lucrative move if he shines in France this summer.

The goalkeeper will only look at the situation when his club campaign ends, and he is hopeful Hamilton won’t be involved in the Premiership play-off.

A win against Kilmarnock this weekend will guarantee their top-flight  status for another season.

“I just took a stance that I was going to wait until the end of the season,” he said. “Obviously I’m ambitious and I want to play at as high a level as I can. I want to have as good a career as I can and be the best I can be, but I don’t discount Hamilton either because everybody’s been so good to me here.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time [at the club] so it’s something I’m going to wait and see at the end of the season and see how I go.

“I suppose it might be nicer to have things sorted before them [the Euros],” he added. “But I’m comfortable going there and hopefully playing in the team and going and enjoying the experience.”

McGovern has played his entire senior career in Scotland, having joined Celtic from Enniskillen Town United when still a teenager. Since then he has moved on to  Dundee United, Ross County, Falkirk and then Hamilton, where he signed in 2014. He has played for Stranraer and St Johnstone on loan.

His horizons have now broadened to include England, and he is eager for a chance to try football south of the Border.

“It’s something I’ve always fancied going to England and trying something different. I’ve been in Scotland for 15 years now actually, but the opportunities need to come up and I need to weigh it up. I’ve got a good thing at Hamilton as well, so we just have to wait and see.

“It’s just something different. I’ve always had the ambition to play down there because I’ve been in Scotland so long. Don’t get me wrong I love  playing in Scotland, but it’s just something that before I finish playing football I’d like to try.”

On the link with both Rangers and Aberdeen, he added: “I just read what’s in the papers and I’ve told my agent we’ll just sit down and discuss it at the end of the season.

“My phone’s been quiet. I’ve not wanted him to bother me. I just want to concentrate on my football because it’s important for me between now and the end of the season to play well to get my place in the Euros.”