Conor McMenamin on Northern Ireland heroics as he reveals daughter missed first goal to go PUMPKIN picking

Conor McMenamin revealed his daughter missed his first international goal after going to pick pumpkins instead.

The St Mirren forward was on the scoresheet last weekend as Northern Ireland dumped San Marino 3-0 at Windsor Park. McMenamin hailed it as one of the greatest days of his career, with his parents and other family members there to witness it. But seven-year-old Daisy missed out on dad’s big moment after going to choose her Halloween lantern instead.

McMenamin, 28, explained: “It was good to score and a good day for my family. It's something I'll always remember and something no one can take away from me. When the ball hit the net it was relief, excitement, everything. It's something I've always wanted to do so to do it and have that feeling was unbelievable. My mum and dad and my sisters were there but my wee girl actually went to a pumpkin patch instead. I was disappointed by that!

“I rang her after the game and was going mad at her! Her mum said she could go where she wanted and she rang me and said she’d rather go to the pumpkin patch.

“She was getting pictures for Halloween with a pumpkin at a farm. She has no real interest in football to be honest. She went to games back home or I'll bring her over here the odd time. You get about ten minutes out of her then she loses interest.”

This is McMenamin’s first spell away from home after starring for six different clubs in Northern Ireland. He’s been a revelation since signing for Saints in the summer – but admits it’s often tough being away from young Daisy.

He added: “She's still at school back home. I travel back when I have a day off. The gaffer is good to me. Any chance I get, I'll take her to school or she'll come and stay with me.

“It's been tough when I had to