A BASKETBALL player from Ellesmere Port hopes an appearance at this summer’s Under 20 European Championship can be a springboard for further success in the sport.

Josh McGinn, 20, has been named in the Great Britain U20 squad and is looking forward to attending a three-day training camp in Essex next week.

A total of 12 players from the 20-man training squad will board the flight to Romania for the Euros – so McGinn knows he needs to impress. The competition will be intense.

“I’m a point guard, and that’s a pretty competitive position,” said McGinn. “Some of the GB squad will be coming from all over the world. Some play in America and Spain.”

The former Ellesmere Port Catholic High School student played professionally in Italy in 2011 and turned out for the Mersey Tigers in British Basketball League last season.

He has not signed with any team for the 2013-14 campaign and knows he could attract some offers if he makes the cut for the GB team and does well in Romania.

“It would put me on the market, most definitely,” said McGinn, who took great pride in his GB call having previously represented his country at U16 and U18 level. “I’m hoping I get some offers.”

McGinn started his basketball career with the Ellesmere Port (now Cheshire) Panthers when he was a junior. His dad Jim was responsible for establishing the team.

When he was 12 he moved to Manchester Magic and played for them up to U18 level, before heading to Italy to play for Cestistica Ascoli, where he was involved in the club’s youth team and senior side.

He returned to the UK to focus on earning a place on the GB squad for this summer’s Euros and is now within touching distance of achieving his goal.

Great Britain will compete in Division B of the Under 20 European Championship, with the competition running in the city of Pitesti from July 12-21.