Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley believes former Dungannon Swifts striker John McGovern has the potential to one day play for Northern Ireland after scoring his first goal in the Champions League this week.

McGovern made a move to the League of Ireland giants after netting in Dungannon’s historic Irish Cup final triumph against Cliftonville last year – he scored 13 goals in 34 Premiership appearances across a sole season at Stangmore Park having arrived from Newry City.

The 23-year-old has made an impact for the Premier Division leaders throughout his first full season in Dublin, scoring five goals and registering four assists in 22 outings, and ticked off another career milestone on Tuesday evening by striking in a 5-1 European win over Floriana of Malta.

McGovern has already won two major trophies with Rovers – and has the potential for more this term – with Bradley backing his striker to make a step up to international level in the future.

placeholder image — John McGovern has ben backed for a Northern Ireland future after scoring in the Champions League for Shamrock Rovers. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“I think he can, just because of the type he is,” said Bradley. “There aren’t many centre-forwards now that have that type of movement – he can dip down both sides.

“I’m not saying that’s going to happen tomorrow, but I think there’s potential for that definitely down the road.”

McGovern is a talented sportsman across fields – he won the Tailteann Cup with Down GAA in 2024 before focusing fully on his football career, a decision which has certainly paid off.

Bradley has opened up on how McGovern had to adapt to life as a full-time footballer – and feels there’s even more to come.

“I watched the GAA games on Sunday, that type of build they all have is what John came with – you could see that big shoulders, big arms,” he added. “It’s a completely different game, completely different movements.

"It was about getting him to understand that, why we need to change his body, and again, when you’re taking weight off people but you want to keep that explosive, that muscle mass, it’s a hard balancing act...he’s training as well and obviously you’re asking him to play and perform.

"There was a lot that went into it, and to be fair to him, he listened, and his agent, his family, were good in terms of they were all on board with it, so that makes it a lot easier.

“But I think there’s more to come; when those chances start going in, I think he’ll just grow from that.”

McGovern has represented Northern Ireland up to U21 level, making eight appearances in total – the last came in a 1-1 European Championship qualifying draw against Lithuania in June 2022 alongside Ethan Galbraith and Terry Devlin.

With Michael O’Neill continuing to search for a permanent striker solution, McGovern hopes the national team boss is paying attention.

“I’m sure (O’Neill) is keeping tabs, maybe, and hopefully you can get a call-up if you keep performing,” said McGovern. “I’ve represented Northern Ireland at 19s and 21s level, and a lot of the players that I play with have progressed on and made senior appearances.

"It’s up to me to continue performing and chipping away with goals and assists, especially if I can do it on the European stage.”