Ed McGinty news can help Sligo Rovers 'push on for European spots', says New Zealand ace
League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers this week agreed an extension to goalkeeper Ed McGinty's loan move.
Sligo Rovers defender Nando Pijnaker has hailed the news that goalkeeper Ed McGinty has extended his loan spell at the Showgrounds.
The Bit O’ Red announced earlier this week that an agreement had been reached with Oxford United to keep the netminder in Sligo until the end of the season.
Manager John Russell described McGinty as “the best goalkeeper in Ireland” - and Pijnaker agreed with his boss.
“I think it's great for me. I think myself, Ed and also Ollie (Denham) have created quite a good connection over the season, or in the games that I've played anyway.
“So it's a big boost for me. I think we can really push on for the European spots, win as many games and keep as many clean sheets as we can. I'm very happy.
“He (McGinty) gives you so much confidence. When I know he's behind me, I know the team is not going to have a chance to score, basically.”
Pijnaker is back in action after recovering from broken ribs - an injury he received in a collision with McGinty.
“Ed isn’t the smallest ‘keeper in the league. It was obviously a big impact and broke a few ribs, which they take time to recover,” said the New Zealand international, who made his comeback in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers.
“I was out for three months or so, so it was a long time and it's tough being away from the game. I was very happy to be back playing.
“I'm still getting up to speed. It's hard to get straight back into playing after being out for so long.”
Pijnaker will continue to work on his fitness with eyes on dates for both club and country - with New Zealand next in action in September, when they head to the USA to take on Mexico and their hosts.
“Unfortunately I missed out on the last trip we had recently, the Oceania tournament, which we won, so I missed out on that,” he said.
“But I've been involved in all the other tours over the last few years, so hopefully I'll be back playing again, get fully fit and be involved in those friendlies against the United States and Mexico.”
Opponents Derry City, meanwhile, are looking to record their fifth straight win in the Premier Division and keep on the tails of leaders Shelbourne.
“We've got real momentum at the minute and we're playing well,” said boss Ruaidhri Higgins, who then cautioned: “What's happened in the last three or four games there is irrelevant to be honest.
“We've won four games on the bounce at present and our only focus is trying to make it five.
“Obviously it will be far from easy. Sligo have put in some big performances of late; most notably their win over Shamrock Rovers last weekend.
“They'll be boosted too by the fact that they've been able to keep hold of Ed McGinty and Ollie Denham. They've got good players and we know to expect a tough game.”
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