Conor McMenamin: Returning to NI squad for Italy play-off ‘a main goal’ for St Mirren player

McMenamin said his NI team-mates were in touch to congratulate him after St Mirren shocked Celtic in the Hampden Park decider.

“All the staff at Northern Ireland, as soon as the final whistle went last week, they were on the phone congratulating me and the team.

“It’s such a close-knit group when we’re away with Northern Ireland, all the players keep in contact even when we’re not together.

“That shows with the results we’ve had and that’s credit to Michael O’Neill and what he has built over the past couple of years. A really tight knit unit and hopefully come March we’ll be ready to go.”

Generally employed in a forward role, McMenamin has been operating in an unaccustomed left wing-back position for his club in recent weeks.

“The last few weeks have been good for everyone involved with the club and when that final whistle went in the cup final you forget about the injuries and all the hard work you have done to get back in the team,” he added.

“To get back playing and to be playing regularly in the team is good for me personally.

“The gaffer [Stephen Robinson] obviously likes the shape and the boys have been playing well. It’s up to us as players to fit into that shape, that’s something we spoke about, me building trust by my performances in that position.

“It’s all about taking chances. We’ve got a great squad so if you’re not doing well someone is there to replace you. It keeps everyone on their toes.

“I think if I’m playing regularly here and doing well that’s all that I can do.”