McGlinchey is back with his club after helping New Zealand book their World Cup place in South Africa next year and admits the achievement has yet to really sink in.

"In a way I just feel relieved it's happened and we're through," McGlinchey said. "I just can't quite get it out of my head that we're going to the World Cup. I keep thinking there must be another hurdle or something, it's taking quite a while to sink in.
  
"It was surreal to walk out there and hear the noise, it was such a big occasion and to get a start I was delighted. That was the best atmosphere, and the biggest game I've ever played in. There was so much riding on the game.
 
"If you lost, you were sick, but to get the win was just unbelievable. I'm just looking forward to going to the World Cup now."

And a world away, on a grey Glasgow Saturday morning, the McGlinchey clan may have some answering to do with their neighbours, after raucous celebrations at their son's achievement.
 
"They're delighted," said McGlinchey. "It was 7am when the game was on and the whole family went down to my mum and dad's to watch it.
 
"There was champagne popped at 9 o'clock in the morning once we had won, and they're delighted for me."
 
The former Celtic man will return to the Central Coast side on Saturday as they complete a six week tour of duty away from home with a trip to Dairy Farmers Stadium to take on North Queensland Fury.

McGlinchey hopes the experience of the past week, will hold him in good stead for the rest of the A-League season.
 
"I'm looking forward to the game. I missed the chance to play them last time because I was away, so I'm looking forward to playing them, and hopefully we can continue the good form from last week," said McGlinchey.
 
"I think it will give me a lot of confidence to see the season out with the Mariners. We're doing pretty well so hopefully that can continue.
 
"I'm looking to win the League and the Grand Final with the Mariners. I'll be trying to put the World Cup to the back of my mind for now and focus on the League, but it's going to be hard."
 
As for preferred opponents in South Africa, there's one obvious choice for the boy born in New Zealand, but raised in Scotland.
 
McGlinchey added: "I'd like to get England. All my football heroes, like the (Steven) Gerrard's of this world play for them, so I'd like to get them."