Ryan McGivern's club and country aim

Ryan McGivern today insisted Walsall can be his international springboard - after Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington backed his loan move.

The left-back played in his country's 2-0 defeat in Montenegro last night to claim his 12th cap and believes the Saddlers can help him achieve recognition.

McGivern also revealed Worthington gave his season-long loan from Manchester City his blessing - which has inspired the 20-year-old.

He said: "It's great to be playing at Walsall and they can help me with my international ambitions.

"It's a good level to be playing at and, if I have a good season, hopefully the manager will pick up on that and I'll get more caps.

"I spoke with Nigel before I came and he asked me to keep him up to date with what I was doing.

"I said I was coming to Walsall and he is fully behind it. He told me to keep my head down, work on my weaknesses, strengths and keep progressing as a player.

"I want to play for Northern Ireland, but I've got to get games here this season first."

McGivern missed Tuesday's 1-0 Carling Cup defeat at home to Tranmere, but will be back in the squad for Saturday's trip to Brentford.

The City youngster, who made his debut in the opening day defeat to Milton Keynes Dons, told of how former Eastlands team-mates Clayton McDonald and Paul Marshall have helped him settle in.

He said: "I spoke to 'Marshy' about the club and he told me everything I needed to know.

"Usually when you go on loan you see a whole new bunch of lads and a whole new dressing room, but knowing a couple of boys has helped me settle in a bit quicker."