Veteran eager to play on
Exeter City skipper Josh Magennis has told Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill he’ll be “fully ready to go” for his country’s next World Cup qualifying campaign at the age of 35.
Magennis was a surprise omission from the friendlies against Switzerland on Friday night and Sweden in two days’ time, with O’Neill explaining that he wanted to run the rule over the next generation of strikers.
But the ex-Wigan Athletic forward, whose goal in a 3-1 triumph over Greece helped his country qualify for their only major finals (Euro 2016) since 1986, has outlined how hungry he is to create more international memories.
With 82 caps, Magennis is four short of breaking into Northern Ireland’s top-10 appearances list.
TAKE THAT: Josh Magennis scores for Northern Ireland in their 5-0 win against Bulgaria in October
PICTURE: Alamy
Milestones
His tally of 12 goals, meanwhile, places him just one short of only being behind David Healy and Kyle Lafferty on the nation’s top scorers’ leaderboard.
And such milestones remain in Magennis’ sights.
“To be in and around those ball parks in the history of Northern Ireland is absolutely dreamland,” he confessed to The FLP.
“I’m a proud Ulster man so playing for the Green and White Army always feels amazing.
“People will probably say I’ve got the maximum from my ability and I’m fine with that, because I’ve seen hundreds of kids waste their talent and I’d rather be an over-achiever than an under-achiever.
“As long as I’m able to run and play, I’ll be all in because, once football’s done with you, it’s done.
“There’s no going back, so I’m looking forward to the qualifying campaign starting in September and I’ll be fully ready to go.”
Landmark
Magennis’ absence from the international stage allowed him the opportunity to reach an impressive landmark in the domestic game.
He was expected to make his 600th club appearance at Lincoln City yesterday.
Magennis added: “From where I come from – a little town like Bangor – to become a professional footballer was my dream but, for it to be my whole career and reach 600 games, is something I’ll never take for granted.
“It’s testament to me but also to a lot of good people who have backed me along the way and I’ve been blessed to have never had a serious injury, too.”
Memorable
Magennis cites the contests in which his former teams clinched promotions – he won the League One title with Hull City (2020-21) and Wigan (2021-22) – as particularly memorable.
But he admits the standout memory is the EFL Cup tie against Bristol Rovers when, at the age of 19, he scored his first senior goal for Cardiff City.
This season’s brace against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, before the Premier League high-flyers eventually prevailed on penalties, also rates highly, not least because his sons Cohen and Jensen – both academy footballers themselves – are now old enough to enjoy such moments.
With six goals, Magennis remains the top scorer in this season’s competition’s proper rounds and three clear of his nearest rivals left in next weekend’s quarter-finals.
“I don’t know if you get anything for that but it would be a nice accolade to have if I can stay there,” he declared.
“The kids loved it this season and buzzed off it, so it’s given me some fond memories with them.”
Beast
Where Magennis will be plying his trade next season remains unclear.
He will be out of contract this summer at St James Park, where he makes 240-mile commutes from his Manchester home, but insists geographical considerations won’t be a factor.
“I’m from Northern Ireland and have played in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, so travelling isn’t a problem for me,” he added.
“No discussions have taken place but, if we can progress together, that would be amazing because Exeter is a brilliant club.
“I know I’m probably looking at one-year rolling contracts now.
“That’s the nature of the beast at my age.”
Cardiff City
Omer Riza is proud of his Cardiff City troops
Championship
OLIVER’S SET FOR BIG STEP
