ED McGINTY has no complaints about being overlooked by Ireland as he looks to ensure Sligo cannot be overtaken.
With Gavin Bazunu sidelined, many felt that McGinty — on loan from Oxford United — was in with a shout for the international squad.
Interim boss John O’Shea opted to call in David Harrington— who has played once for Fleetwood — alongside Caoimhín Kelleher, Mark Travers and Max O’Leary.
But McGinty said: “There are no complaints from me, I am just happy to be playing and I know the Irish team is in a transitional phase so it’s not for me to complain.
“I know I am able to do it, I saw what John Russell said last week and I appreciated that. I’m not in any rush, I am just happy to be back playing regularly.
“It’s something I’d love to do but I am happy to play the games I have played for Sligo Rovers.
“I was called in for a senior camp in Bristol this time last year with Max O’Leary and Brian Maher. It was enjoyable.
“I’ve played in the Under-21s with the likes of Nathan Collins and it’s great to see the foundations from underage with Nathan, Dara O’Shea making the jump to the senior Ireland team.”
McGinty could still play for Scotland having been born and reared there before moving eight years ago.
But he said: “I loved both countries but football-wise I always felt more connection with Ireland, my family being from Donegal.
“When it comes to football I am an Irishman.
“I moved over when I turned 17 so I have lived in Scotland for longer than in Ireland but my football has been in Ireland.”
SLIGO’S SAVIOUR
The 24-year-old shone on Friday as the Bit O’Red claimed a 2-1 win away to league leaders Shelbourne.
But he said: “It was a very good team performance.
“We were very good off the ball and held a great shape.
“Saving shots is my job, it’s what I’m paid to do, I am more annoyed with the goal I conceded, I think I could have got to it.”
“There is a real incentive to try to back that up with another win against Drogheda United this evening as that would extend the gap between them and the Co Louth side — who occupy the relegation play-off spot — to ten points.
“And, after losing 3-0 at home to Bohemians before drawing 2-2 away to Derry City, he knows it is a mug’s game trying to predict results this season.
He said: “The Bohs game is a prime example of how you can’t switch off.
“Looking at Drogheda, we beat them 3-1 but they were very strong in the game.
“We were possibly stronger in the away game against them and they won 3-1.
“You have to be mentally and physically switched on from the off.
“Similar to Galway you have to be hard to beat and fight for every ball in every game and have the same level of intensity if it’s Shels away or Drogheda at home.”
This could be one of his final games for the club if Oxford — who have won promotion to the Championship — do not agree to extend his loan.
He said: “I have had no indication, Oxford have been promoted and that’s great for the team, I am delighted.
“As for me I’ve not heard much. I am happy to be at Sligo.
I spoke to John and told him the same thing, I don’t know what the script is.
“I am ambitious and I want to push myself but I am very open to staying for the rest of the season if it’s right.
“I feel I am able to play at that level but I didn’t get any type of run or rhythm before
“I know I am able to play at that level but I am realistic. I know how people, managers and coaches view it.”
Sligo will be without John Mahon, Nando Pijnaker, Simon Power and Conor Reynolds tonight.
Will Fitzgerald and Reece Hutchinson are doubts but Charlie Wiggett returns from a ban.
Drogheda are without the suspended Darragh Markey. Warren Davis and Aaron McNally are doubts.