The Newry-born left back said afterwards: “It was a good game, the boys did really well and we knew coming here it was going to be tough, but we did what we had to do and got the breaks.”
Sunderland set about the Blues early on, but the Platt Lane boys played their own game and didn’t rise to a sometimes, over-physical Black Cats approach.
He admitted: “First half they kept the ball really well and it was hard. We weren’t keeping the ball too well ourselves, but the last 10 minutes of the first half we started to play.
“In the second half we came out, got the ball down, passed it about and created chances.”
The Blues led at the break thanks to McGivern’s first goal on 38 minutes, not a classic, but a vital goal nonetheless as he described: “There was a little bit of a deflection on it, but I think it was going in anyway.”
The tall full back then doubled his and the young Blues’ tally just short of the hour mark with a simple header from a corner.
“I scored one or two at the start of the season, but I haven’t scored in the last couple of weeks, so it was good to get back on the scoresheet.
“I think they’re my sixth and seventh this year – so not bad. I just used my height and the ball dropped onto my head and I’ve put it in the net.”
And in true defenders fashion, it wasn’t the two goals that gave Ryan the most joy, but as he stated: “I think the clean sheet and the clearance off the line meant more than the two goals.
“If we’d have conceded a goal then they would have right back in it at 2-1. We’ll go back to the City of Manchester Stadium and give it all – but being two goals is a decent lead.
“It’s not over yet, it’s only one game and there’s still 90 minutes to go, so if we can put in a good game on Tuesday we’ll hopefully finish it off.”
Supporters wishing to attend Tuesday night’s second leg are advised to purchase tickets in advance as the game is a 7pm kick-off and queues are expected.
Subscribers to MCFCTV.com can now see highlights of last night’s victory with commentary from Paul McDowell.
