Proud McGinty so happy to receive Ireland’s call once more

This afternoon’s U21 friendly against Holland at Tallaght Stadium (1pm) offers new beginnings for many Irish youngsters and Sean McGinty appreciates the chance presented to him by Noel King.

For the Manchester United defender, his early days of international football brought a captaincy and player of the year award, but that changed in 2011.

Just as Paul Doolin’s reign as U19 manager gained momentum, McGinty was cut adrift while his team-mates surged towards the European Championships in Romania. His absence was barely noticed as Ireland reached the semi-finals, the first team from these shores on that stage for nine years.