NIALL McGINN'S debut for Celtic was a quiet affair this week as the midfielder took to the field against a St Mirren reserve side.

The 21-year-old remains somewhat new to the rigours of full-time football, but he is determined to make the most of the chance he has been given.

The winger, who can play on either the right or left flank, has one cap for Northern Ireland which he got last November when he was used as a sub in a game against Hungary.

He is due to report for international duty this week and hopes he is given an opportunity to impress Hoops manager Gordon Strachan.

"I'm going off on international duty now and I hope I can play some part against San Marino and impress," he said. "Hopefully I can do well."

And while the player is tipped to make it into Celtic's first team, the player himself appears willing to prove himself in the reserves as he waits for his chance in Strachan's squad.

McGinn, who won the 2008 PFAI Young Player of the Year award, is content to feature in Willie McStay's reserve squad until he gets to grips with his move to Celtic.

"I have to keep my head down and keep working hard and take things as they come," he said.

"I am just looking forward to all the reserve games that are coming up and I want to do everything I can to do well at Celtic."