John McGovern scored in Shamrock Rovers’ 5-1 win over Floriana of Malta on Tuesday night.
Stephen Bradley believes John McGovern has what it takes to play senior international football.
The former Newry Town and Dungannon Swifts striker scored the goal that levelled Shamrock Rovers’ Champions League tie with Floriana of Malta on Tuesday night.
McGovern is a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international and Bradley reckons he can one day knock on Michael O’Neill’s door.
O’Neill was manager at Tallaght Stadium when Bradley was a player, and the Hoops boss said: “Yeah, I think he can (play for the senior international side).
“Just because of the type he is, there are not many centre-forwards to have that type of movement, how he can dip down both sides.
“I’m not saying that’s going to happen tomorrow, but I think there is potential for that down the road.”
McGovern (23) is still growing into his role at Shamrock Rovers, following his move last summer from Dungannon.
He has had to work hard to change his body shape, having come from inter-county Gaelic football with Down.
“We had to be patient and he had to be patient,” said Bradley. “We needed to change his body, he was a GAA player when we got him, in that build, and we needed to shred that.
“That takes time, it can’t happen overnight, and he had to learn how we play, and then understand what his strengths are in this team.
“He is definitely getting there, you can see he should score a couple tonight, there is no doubt he should. But that’s the bit that will come.
“As a forward, once you are brave enough to miss, you will always score. And he is.
“What I really like about him is he compliments that team well – Dylan (Watts), Jack (Byrne) and Graham (Burke). We need something different when you play those three.
“John is recognising that that’s what he gives us and he is doing it really well.”
Bradley added: “I watched the (Gaelic football) games on Sunday and they all have that type of build. That’s what John came with – big shoulders, big arms, really wide.
“But it’s a completely different game and completely different movements. I think there is more to come.”

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