2 hours ago
36
Conor McMenamin says regaining a place in the Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in March is "a primary goal" for him over the coming months.
The 30-year-old has been absent from NI manager Michael O'Neill's international plans over the past year after suffering a serious knee injury, followed by an Achilles problem.
McMenamin is now regaining match fitness week-by-week however, getting regular game time for the Buddies and playing a significant part in his club's 3-1 Scottish League Cup final win over Celtic.
The former Cliftonville and Glentoran player has won nine international caps to date, making his debut against Cyprus in a Nations League game in 2022 and scoring his only goal in a 3-0 Euro qualifier win over San Marino in October 2023.
"I've had a lot of injuries in the past couple of years but the pinnacle for any player is to play for their country and I'm no different," said McMenamin.
"That would be the main goal for me heading into the next few weeks, to try and cement a seat on that plane for Italy.
"Obviously it will be a really tough match, but I think it's one that we can go and win. We've got a good squad there and I love playing for Northern Ireland so that would be a big goal."
The winner of the tie in Bergamo on 26 March will play Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina away for a place in the World Cup finals.
McMenamin said his NI team-mates were in touch to congratulate him after St Mirren shocked Celtic in the Hampden Park decider.
"All the staff at Northern Ireland, as soon as the final whistle went last week, they were on the phone congratulating me and the team.
"It's such a close-knit group when we're away with Northern Ireland, all the players keep in contact even when we're not together.
"That shows with the results we've had and that's credit to Michael O'Neill and what he has built over the past couple of years. A really tight knit unit and hopefully come March we'll be ready to go."
Generally employed in a forward role, McMenamin has been operating in an unaccustomed left wing-back position for his club in recent weeks.
"The last few weeks have been good for everyone involved with the club and when that final whistle went in the cup final you forget about the injuries and all the hard work you have done to get back in the team," he added.
"To get back playing and to be playing regularly in the team is good for me personally.
"The gaffer [Stephen Robinson] obviously likes the shape and the boys have been playing well. It's up to us as players to fit into that shape, that's something we spoke about, me building trust by my performances in that position.
"It's all about taking chances. We've got a great squad so if you're not doing well someone is there to replace you. It keeps everyone on their toes.
"I think if I'm playing regularly here and doing well that's all that I can do."
English (US) ·