THE Central Coast Mariners have reached an agreement with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, allowing midfielder Michael McGlinchey to head out on loan, giving him the best possible chance of representing New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

McGlinchey will fly out later in the week to join up with his new teammates, and the 22-year-old, who was born in Wellington but grew up in Glasgow, could make his debut in a home clash against Rangers, after supporting rivals Celtic as a boy and coming up through the hoops’ youth system.

“Michael has a great chance to represent his country at the World Cup and this gives him a chance to be playing regular football until May,” Mariners’ executive chairman Lyall Gorman said.

“We wish Michael all the best for the time he spends in Scotland, before welcoming him back to the Mariners after the World Cup.”

After trialling with the Mariners in pre-season matches against Gold Coast and Wellington, McGlinchey signed a two-year deal with the club, and has so far played 21 matches for the yellow and navy, scoring his only goal so far on debut in a 2-nil win over Melbourne in August.

McGlinchey’s loan deal with Motherwell expires on May 9.

The Mariners’ final home match of the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season will be against Newcastle Jets on Saturday, February 6. Kick-off is at 6pm.

* Glen Lauder is media and communications manager for the Central Coast Mariners.