McGowan won't dismiss A-League chance

Australia defender Ryan McGowan admitted he would never rule out the possibility of coming home to play in the A-League after he honours his commitments in Scotland.

mcgowan

Ryan McGowan (left) in action against Aberdeen (Getty) Source: mcgowan

McGowan joined Scottish club Dundee United in January on an 18-month contract after a stint with Shandong Luneng in China.

McGowan said he is enjoying his football in the land of his heritage but conceded that he does not know what the future holds for him once his contract at Tannadice expires at the end of the next European season.

His younger brother Dylan is doing very well for the Adelaide United team that is one match away from the A-League grand final.

"I've enjoyed being back in the UK," McGowan said.

"I played in a League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen that we won 2-1, and the final against Celtic which we ended up losing 2-0, but really I've enjoyed every minute of my return to Scotland.

"About playing in the A-League I would never rule it out.

"As I said I'm enjoying my time here in Scotland and I will need to wait and see what happens at the end of my contract.

"Sometimes you do not have too much of a choice where you go if a team buys you."

McGowan hit the headlines in the Scottish Cup 4-0 defeat to Celtic when he was sent off for a strong challenge on Liam Henderson.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila described the tackle as "stupid" and potentially career-ending.

But McGowan dismissed suggestions that the challenge was borne out of frustration.

"It was none of that. It was just a tackle that the referee thought was a red card mate," he said.

"It was more an over-reaction from Celtic."

United's players would have every reason to hate the sight of Celtic after succumbing to the Glaswegian giant four times in their last four matches.

But McGowan is taking a more realistic approach and acknowledges that Celtic is far too strong and powerful for any other team in Scotland.

"Obviously, with the resources and money they have compared to the rest of the league, it is difficult for teams to compete with them," he said.

"I think until there is a fairer split in money for the league or a change in the competition where you play everyone home and away it will be difficult for anyone to really challenge them.

"Aberdeen have had a great season, running them very close, but it is difficult."

With Celtic assured of Champions League football next season (albeit in the qualifying stage) United can only aspire for a spot in the Europa League.

"We're hoping to get a European place which would be a great way to end the season," he said.

"Beating Aberdeen on Sunday (AEST) would give us great confidence going into the last four games of the season.

"They will be tough games but if we play how we can play I see no reason we couldn't make the European places."

McGowan could force his way back into the Socceroos' reckoning if he finishes the season on a high.

McGowan filled in for fullback Ivan Franjic at the World Cup in Brazil when the right back injured himself in the first match against Chile.

But the defender was omitted by coach Ange Postecoglou when he named his squad for the AFC Asian Cup in January.

With Franjic, who has quit Torpedo Moscow over a wages dispute, struggling for game time there might be an opening for McGowan.

"I'm not too sure about that," he said.

"Ivan and all the boys have been doing a fantastic job in the last 12 months.

"I just need to keep playing every week here at United and putting in strong performances, hoping that if I get called up I would be able to come in full of confidence and help achieve our goal of qualifying for Russia 2018."


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4 min read
Published 2 May 2015 6:25am
Updated 2 May 2015 7:05am
By Philip Micallef
Source: SBS

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