Tommy Wright still believes Alan Mannus is the heir apparent for the Northern Ireland goalkeeper’s job despite being overlooked for Wednesday night’s Hampden Park friendly.
Hamilton’s Michael McGovern played the full 90 minutes against Scotland, and was man of the match for Michael O’Neill’s team.
But Wright insisted the St Johnstone man shouldn’t be disheartened, as he feels Mannus has a great chance of inheriting the gloves when 37-year-old Roy Carroll steps aside.
“I’m a bit disappointed for Alan,” the Perth boss admitted. “But I can understand why Michael would give Michael McGovern a chance.
“He did go to the South American tour. I don’t think he’s missed a squad in the last five years and he’s only one cap to show for it.
“I thought Michael might have given Alan a half even, but it was one of those friendlies where there was a limit on outfield subs.
“Maybe his thinking was to use all his subs on outfield players with Sunday in mind.
“The season Alan’s had, I’m sure he’s disappointed.
“Personally, I still think he’s the one who is best-equipped to take over from Roy. In my opinion he’s still the number two.”
Wright added: “Michael knows more about Alan than he does Michael.
“That would have been another reason.
“Michael’s seen a lot of Alan in Europe with Shamrock Rovers.
“Going forward I wouldn’t look into it too much. Alan has proved consistently that he’s in the top three goalkeepers in Scotland.
“Apart from Craig Gordon, I think he’s been the best keeper in the league this year.
“I know Michael (McGovern). I worked with him when he first came into the under-21 squad.
“He’s carved out a career for himself and was excellent the other night.
“What I would say is that, similar to Scotland, Northern Ireland have three very good keepers.”
Goalkeepers can go a long time without seeing any action, especially in international football.
“I was on the bench a few times,” Wright recalled. “But in the main, if I was fit, I played.
“It was more in my club career towards the end that I had frustrations, particularly at Man City.
“If Nicky Weaver got injured I would get in and do well, but I was automatically left out again. That was difficult.
“But you just have to be professional and be ready when you’re called whether that’s with your club or country.”
Meanwhile, Simon Lappin has returned to training and should be available to play for Saints next weekend.
Frazer Wright and Dave Mackay have both received injections this week, and are also expected to be fine for the Hamilton match.