Shamrock Rovers are planning a move for Oxford United‘s second-choice goalkeeper Ed McGinty after his successful spell in the League of Ireland.
The U’s keeper has only played 10 times for Des Buckingham’s side since joining in 2022 from Sligo Rovers, who he joined at the start of his career. He was loaned back out to The Showgrounds last season, appearing 38 times.
Rovers Eye Deal
Shamrock Rovers are one of the powerhouses of Irish football and they are ‘strongly considering’ a deal in the 25-year-old according to the Irish Independent.
The Hoops are the most successful side in the history of the League of Ireland but last season but couldn’t catch eventual winners Shelbourne. They secured a place in the UEFA Conference League and are preparing to face Chelsea in the League Phase later this year.
Leon-Maurice Pohls is the current first-choice goalkeeper for the club, having played for the club since 2019. He made 35 appearances in the league, with 31-year-old Lee Steacy being his back-up choice. It is the German’s first season properly between the sticks following the retirement of Alan Mannus.
McGinty is not the only Sligo player being targeted by the South Dublin side, who are also pursuing a deal for midfielder Connor Malley.
Writer’s View
Oxford United are comfortably happy with Jamie Cummings as their first-choice keeper so it will be interesting if they decide to cash in for Ed McGinty. Cummings and the Scottish keeper are the same age so it is unlikely that he will be passed the baton unless the former MK Dons loanee is injured. Ireland has been a great place for McGinty and Shamrock Rovers will be almost constantly competing at the top of the league. Oxford have a real decision on their hands and it would not be a surprise to see them move him on and opt to sign a new deputy in January.
1st Class Honours in Multimedia Journalism at Salford University. Writing mainly about League Two.
