FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has insisted he is not in America for a holiday after his shock MLS transfer.
The defender left Middlesbrough this summer to sign for MLS newcomers San Diego FC.
He signed a three-year deal with the Californian side but was immediately sent on a six-month loan back to the Championship, joining West Brom.
That is partly because San Diego are waiting on the receipt of McNair’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, which he needs to be allowed to play.
McNair, 29, is raring to go in MLS and made it clear he has not travelled across the pond for a holiday, stating he is still determined to be a key member of the Northern Ireland squad.
He said in a press conference: “Yes, of course I want to keep playing [for Northern Ireland]. I wouldn’t have gone [to America] if it had affected my international career.
“I’m not going to America for a holiday. It’s still a competitive, tough league. It’s just the experience will be different.
“It is a league that is improving and there are high-profile players in the league and it will be a good experience.”
The United academy graduate is also not concerned about travelling to and from Europe for matches, pointing out plenty of players have to undertake lengthier journeys.
He continued: “In terms of travel (for internationals) it’s a flight, I don’t think anything like that impacts.
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“If I’m here a day late or a day early I’m still going to be here in time for training and in time for the games. I played with Aussie lads in Middlesbrough and they flew back to Australia for their games.”
After putting pen to paper for San Diego, he said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.
“When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.
“It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”
