McGlinchey is no stranger to the global stage, having been part of the All Whites squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the New Zealand Olympic team at the 2012 London Games.
The midfielder became the youngest person to play for Scottish club Celtic when he debuted at 15 years 273 days, but struggled to earn his break into the first team and was eventually released by Celtic in May 2009.
His career has picked up since joining the Central Coast Mariners, with last season proving one of his best as his side won their first title while he finished fourth in the voting behind fellow countryman Marco Rojas for the league’s best player award.
As he prepares with his fellow All Stars for Saturday’s friendly, the 26-year-old says he’s hoping the side will put on a good performance.
“I am obviously proud to be selected in the team. It’s a massive honour. It’s just an added bonus that it’s against Manchester United, a team that I’ve supported, so I’m looking forward to it,” he says.
“I think the A-League’s got a lot stronger over the years and I think we’re at a good level now where we can test ourselves against these guys and sort of see where we are. Hopefully we can put a good performance on and show the world that we’re a good league.”
A huge fan of the “Red Devils”, McGlinchey says he is aiming to make an impression against David Moyes’ side which includes some of football’s greatest names including Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand among others.
It will be an interesting match-up for the Kiwi, who plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, after being courted by the club as a teenager before eventually choosing Celtic.
“I have often thought about that but I thought the decision at the time was the best to be in and around the family and I had a lot of people I trusted at Celtic at the time, like Tommy Burns,” McGlinchey says.
“I thought it was the best club for me to try and develop. I don’t have regrets. It was obviously exciting to be chased by Manchester United but growing up in Scotland I think many people see Celtic as a bigger club.
“I went down [to Manchester] for the week to check it all out and I was offered a contract. I came pretty close to signing with them. To turn it down was obviously a massive decision in my life. It seems a lifetime ago.”
Joining McGlinchey in the All-Stars side is Wellington Phoenix striker Paul Ifill, who says his inclusion in the squad was unexpected.
“It was a bit of a surprise I’ll be honest but I’m really happy, really honoured and privileged to be representing the Wellington Phoenix in this match.”
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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