IRON midfielder Michael O'Connor will spend this weekend at home with his family in Belfast.

But the 22-year-old would much rather be in Slovenia.

Although they are in training this week, the majority of the Scunthorpe United squad will get time away from the club with the international break meaning they don't play again in the Championship until September 11.

While pleased to get the chance of a few days rest following a hectic start to the campaign, O'Connor is disappointed not to have been picked to be part of the Northern Ireland squad that kicks off their Euro 2012 qualifying programme in Maribor on Friday night.

The former Crewe schemer last played for his country during a 1-0 friendly defeat in Albania back in March, but has been in excellent form for United this season.

And though disappointed to have been overlooked by Ireland boss Nigel Worthington, O'Connor is determined to ensure he expresses his frustration in the right way – by 'knuckling down' with the Iron.

"I'm disappointed to miss out, but we haven't really spoken about it," said O'Connor, who has been capped nine times.

"He (Worthington) has just told me he wants to pick players who are playing football at a higher standard.

"I'm doing okay, but he's picking 17 or 18 year old lads who are mostly playing reserve football.

"But good luck to those who have been called up. I've not got anything against them.

"I've just got to get my head down here and keep playing well for Scunthorpe. I thought I'd done enough to get in the squad, but I keep getting overlooked.

"The door isn't closed. He's picking other players over me, but he's the manager. If he loses it's on him."

O'Connor's keenness to return to the international set-up is understandable given their next qualifying test.

After their trip to Slovenia, Northern Ireland host Italy at Windsor Park at the beginning of October – a match the tenacious midfielder would love to be involved in.

A disappointing end to their qualifying schedule for this summer's World Cup meant Worthington's side narrowly missed out on booking a trip to South Africa.

But O'Connor insists hopes are high ahead of Euro 2012, with their form at their Belfast home likely to be central to their ambitions.

"We didn't start off qualifying well for the World Cup," he added.

"We lost two of the first three games but from then onwards we were brilliant, if a little unlucky towards the end.

"It's going to be a tough group, any group with Italy in would be, but home games are going to be the key. I don't think many teams would beat Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

"We have a chance, even though it's not a great chance."