McGovern takes positives out of defeat
Editorial Department • Published 2 Feb 2012 13:00
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Falkirk goalkeeper Michael McGovern is beaten from the spot by Celtic's Scott Brown during Sunday's League Cup semi-final which Celtic won 3-1.
Fermanagh man Michael McGovern continues to make his mark in the Scottish First Division with Falkirk. At the weekend, McGovern tasted disappointment when his team were beaten by one of his former clubs, Celtic, in the League cup semi-final.
"It was obviously disappointing. We believed we could beat them (Celtic). But there are a lot of positives to take from the game. We passed the ball well and performed well. In fact a lot of people said to me afterwards, we passed the ball better than Celtic did but a few decisions went against us."
McGovern was outspoken in his post-match interviews, claiming the referee shouldn't have awarded the Hoops a soft penalty:
"What I said was blown out of proportion a bit. I think the decision was a bit harsh on us but you have to move on and get on with it."
Now, his sights are firmly set on helping Falkirk gain promotion, to the Premier League:
"That's our aim. We're sitting second at the minute, five (points) behind Ross County but they have a couple of games in hand. If we can keep plugging away we'll hopefully be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. We can only determine our own fate though and can only concentrate on our own game. If we keep working hard, we have a good chance. Everyone aspires to play in the SPL. You want to test yourself against the top teams. I'm very ambitious and that's where I as a player want to be playing."
The 27 year-old joined Falkirk last July, having previously had spells at Celtic, Dundee Utd and Ross County. Their run in the League cup saw them record wins over Rangers and Dundee Utd. That along with their consistency in the league, has already surpassed anything they could have hoped for:
"It was a fantastic run. Sadly it came to an end yesterday (Sunday). The season has already exceeded expectations. To be where we are is beyond what we would have anticipated," he says.
Michael played against Celtic when he was with Ross County and as always he enjoyed the experience once again on Sunday: "It was enjoyable, it's always good to test yourself against the likes of Celtic. I definitely picked up some points which I'll learn from."
The Fermanagh man is thoroughly enjoying his football at the minute. The set-up at Falkirk has helped him turn in some good performances and nail his spot as first choice keeper:
"I'm enjoying it immensely. The training facilities are first class and the manager (Steven Pressley) has been great. The club is well run with a great youth academy. I'm lucky to be at this club," says Michael.
At the weekend Michael's three sisters, brother and parents along with other friends travelled to Hampden Park for the Celtic game. Whilst all his siblings work or study in Scotland, having the whole family at the game meant a lot:
"There was a fair crowd of them there. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The most disappointing aspect was the result. When we brought the game back to 1-1 it was pure pandemonium down the Falkirk end apparently."
Michael's focus is clearly on club promotion now but having earned himself a cap for Northern Ireland against Chille in May 2010, is his international career in his thoughts?
"Definitely, I got my first game in 2010 and I thought I done alright and I would definitely want to be involved. But for the moment I want to concentrate on doing well for Falkirk and if I do well by them, you never know when your opportunity would come along."
The Fermanagh man has utmost respect and admiration for the newly appointed manager, Michael O'Neill:
"He's one of the top young managers in the game. He done wonders with Shamrock Rovers and I think he'll do really well in the job."
For now though, getting Falkirk back into the top tier, after two seasons in the first division, is the aim of the game.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Feb 12
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