Hamilton's Michael McGovern unfazed by transfer speculation

By Andrew Dickson

Image: Michael McGovern has been linked with a summer move from Hamilton to Hibernian

Michael McGovern won't let speculation about his future affect him as he looks ahead to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland.

The goalkeeper is focused on that and his club commitments to Hamilton in the Scottish Premiership rather than thinking further afield.

McGovern has been linked with a summer move to Hibernian but is in no hurry to leave his current side despite being out of contract at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old, who is set to be Michael O'Neill's first choice in France, said: "I've managed to put the speculation to bed very easily.

"It doesn't bother me. I'm really happy with how I'm doing at Hamilton. If there's interest from elsewhere that's nice but it's not something that really affects me.

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"If I wasn't doing well there wouldn't be interest but I just want to keep doing well for Hamilton. I'm not really keen to leave.

"Coming and playing regularly in the Premiership has been a massive thing for me. It's enabled me to get involved with the international set-up.

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Image: McGovern is expected to be Northern Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2016

"Goalkeepers are usually at their peak between 30 and 35 and I'm in the middle of that now. That's why the decision on whether I stay here or move on next season is a big one.

"But there won't be much interest if I don't keep playing well for Hamilton. I will give myself time before settling on what I'm going to do with my future.

"I think I'm hitting my peak years while I'm also going to the Euros in the summer too. I'm in a good position so I want to take my time and assess things."

McGovern took time to establish himself as a regular starter despite turning down moves to bigger clubs in the past because of a fear he would not play.

He is keen to show he can play at a high level wherever his career takes him in the future and added: "Every time I play for Northern Ireland I see it as a wonderful opportunity.

Image: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has used McGovern in all five of their games this season

"It's a chance to test yourself against players who play at a higher level than I do week in week out at Hamilton.

"When we qualified against Greece, seven of their starting XI had played in the Champions League the week before. To get the chance to play against players like that is wonderful.

"I wouldn't be scared of playing at a higher level but I just want to keep playing, no matter where I am."

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