Published Tuesday, 11 August 2009
The 19-year-old wants to follow the example set by Jonny Evans, who made his debut for the province before getting a first-team game with Manchester United.
Evans has never looked back after an impressive display in the thrilling 3-2 victory against Spain three years ago.
He is now getting a run of games at Old Trafford after a loan spell at Sunderland.
McGivern is anxious to follow suit across town, although he could yet be farmed out to another club to gain experience.
He said: "Jonny is a perfect example of what can happen. He got plenty of games last season and that is something I will try and emulate this year.
We have a bit in common as I have played more games for Northern Ireland than City while Jonny made his international debut before playing for United.
I am not sure what will happen before the end of the transfer window, though. We will wait and see."
City have spent lavishly in the transfer market in the summer and McGivern believes mixing with world-class players can only help his game at international and club level.
"With the stars coming in, it makes you train harder, so you can be part of things," he said.
"It definitely keeps you on your toes, especially when we do three v ones. In one session, I looked up and had Robinho, (Emmanuel) Adebayor and (Carlos) Tevez facing me.
"The thought entered my head about about walking off but being surrounded by those players is only going to improve me."
Qualifiers
Northern Ireland are facing a critical stage in the World Cup qualifiers with back-to- back games to come against Poland and Slovakia next month.
Currently lying second in the group, they end the campaign with a visit to the Czech Republic in October.
After going on tour with City to South Africa - where he shook hands with Nelson Mandela - McGivern is anxious to return there next year.
He said: "The atmosphere over there was unbelievable and I do not think I have come over people who love football so much. It has given me a massive incentive.
"That's why we have to get it right against Israel, so we are in good shape for the qualifiers.
"I would love to be involved, so I'll keep my head down and keep working hard. It would be a dream come true if we qualified."