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Niall McGinn reflects on "very special" spell with Northern Ireland

Niall McGinn reflects on
© Reuters
The Aberdeen winger scored his first home international goal in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Estonia last week.

Niall McGinn is looking to continue his momentum for Aberdeen after netting his first home international goal for Northern Ireland.

The wide player struck in the 2-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Estonia last week after scoring in his previous two matches for Aberdeen.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to face Hearts, McGinn said: "To get my first goal at Windsor Park was very special. It is something that has always been at the back of my mind.

"I have played a lot of football for Northern Ireland and I have scored some important goals for Northern Ireland, but they have all been away from home.

"It meant a lot to me. It was a place where I always wanted to score, in front of my own fans. Thankfully I now have that monkey off my back.

"So it was a great feeling and great the fact it helped us to an important win.

"I remember when I was 14 or 15, I was a ball boy at a game there. Further down the line you never think you will be there scoring.

"It was an incredible feeling. It is a great stadium and there is always a great atmosphere. It does help your confidence massively.

"Scoring against Rangers and then Livingston, I was feeling good and had a spring in my step and the manager (Michael O'Neill) recognised that and gave me the go ahead to play. So it was pleasing to repay him by getting the win and the three points to start the group strongly."

McGinn, who helped his national team win both of their opening qualifiers, is looking for a strong end to the season after admitting "niggling injuries" had disrupted his rhythm.

"I am feeling good, I am feeling fit and strong and when you are scoring goals that always helps your confidence," he said.

"So the last couple of weeks have been very good and I want to keep that form going, keep chipping in with goals here and there and also get some assists as well, which is important to my game. If I can do that then hopefully I can stay in the team."

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts000046341262
4Kilmarnock00004334951
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
Relegation Group
1Hibernian00004451-739
2Motherwell00004651-537
3Aberdeen00003549-1435
4St Johnstone00002446-2231
5Ross County00003256-2430
6Livingston00002259-3718
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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