Michael McGovern (born 12 July 1984) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper.
Born in Enniskillen, McGovern started his career with Scottish Premier League club Celtic in 2001. He spent time on loan with Scottish Second Division side Stranraer in 2005 and with Scottish First Division side St Johnstone in 2006. He left Celtic in 2008, having never made a first-team appearance for the club. After leaving Celtic, he joined fellow Scottish Premier League side Dundee United, but left after one season having not made a first-team appearance. In 2009, he went back to the First Division with Ross County, where he enjoyed a successful two-year spell. In 2011, he moved on a free transfer to fellow First Division side Falkirk. McGovern then moved to Hamilton Academical in 2014. After spending 15 years playing in Scotland, he moved to English club Norwich City in July 2016.
McGovern represented Northern Ireland at under-19 and under-21 levels, before making his senior debut in May 2010. He represented Northern Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016.
In March 2008, McGovern received his first call-up to the Northern Ireland squad. McGovern made his full debut for Northern Ireland on 31 May 2010, in a 1–0 loss to Chile. He came on at half-time for Alan Blayney and made a "stunning" save from a long-range effort by Marco Estrada.
McGovern had to wait until 2015 for his second cap, after which he quickly became the number one goalkeeper for Northern Ireland, helping them qualify for Euro 2016 as qualifying group winners. He received plaudits for a series of "heroic saves" that restricted Germany to a 1–0 win during the group stages of the Euro 2016 finals on 21 June 2016, keeping Northern Ireland's goal difference down and helping them qualify for the knockout round of 16.
English Championship 2020-2021 Norwich |
2004-2008 |
2008-2009 |
2009-2011 |
2010-2020 |
2011-2014 |
2014-2016 |
2016-2023 |
2023-2024 |
2019-2021 |
2023-2024 |
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