Ethan McGee: I'm loving my time at Linfield and want to keep giving my all for the club

Ethan McGee admits he’s been loving his time at Linfield since joining from Dungannon Swifts in January after scoring a first club goal in Sunday’s 3-1 Irish Cup quarter-final victory over Institute.
By Johnny Morton
Published 4th Mar 2024, 11:00 GMT
Linfield's Ethan McGee celebrates his goal against Institute. PIC: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker PressLinfield's Ethan McGee celebrates his goal against Institute. PIC: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press
Linfield's Ethan McGee celebrates his goal against Institute. PIC: Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press

The 21-year-old was one of the headline transfers in the recent window and has started life with the Blues in fine fashion, producing a superb performance as David Healy’s side got back on track with a 3-0 win against fellow Premiership contenders Cliftonville last month and it was his first-half volley at the Brandywell that helped settle any potential cup nerves.

Despite his age, McGee is already vastly experienced at Irish League level having played over 100 times for the Swifts and Healy has been able to make use of his versatility, deploying him in both defence and midfield.

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He has started in eight consecutive matches which he’s been available for – McGee was cup-tied for the Blues’ BetMcLean Cup semi-final triumph over his former club – and already became a fan favourite.

His goal, combined with second-half strikes from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Kirk Millar, has set up a semi-final encounter with ‘Big Two’ rivals Glentoran later this month, which will be McGee’s first taste of the derby.

"I'm enjoying it - I really do love it,” he told the club’s media channel. “The fans, players and everyone at the club have been great with me.

"I'm delighted to be here. I want to give 100% for the club and that's what I want to continue to do.

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"We knew it was going to be difficult coming here (to Institute) but all the boys stood up to the test really well. I scored myself and that settled us and then we came out in the second-half and got two early enough goals which really helped us.

"It's massive (facing Glentoran). That's going to be a massive test for us and we have to keep playing the way we have been and hopefully get into the next round and get a bit of silverware."

Linfield’s first chance for silverware this season will come in Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup final against Championship outfit Portadown at Windsor Park, but McGee will only to be able to watch on having played for Dungannon in competition wins over Newington, Cliftonville and Newry City.

"I can't play in it - I'm heartbroken about that!" he added. “Our attitude has to be spot on this week...everybody in training has to be right at it.

"Portadown are coming to Windsor and they're going to be at it as well, so we have to get a good week under our belt and really go at it next Sunday."

Related topics:David HealyLinfieldGlentoranBluesCliftonvilleBrandywellPremiership