Our 8 young players have returned to the club following international duty at various age groups.
Under 19 European Championship Elite Qualifying Round.
Aaron Wightman has had a number of club senior appearances under his belt this season. The Glentoran scholarship graduate played every minute for the Northern Ireland U19 side in their three games against Norway, France & Romania. Showing his versatility, Aaron played on the left hand side in a number of formations throughout the week. A great experience to play at such an elite level tournament, the French team they faced had forward Mathys Tel who has played 16 times this season for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
Aaron Wightman: “Overall it was a great experience I really enjoyed playing in them types of games against some of the best players in Europe at my age age. We are disappointed with how our 10 days went as a group as we thought we were capable of playing a lot better in the 3 games. However I will personally take a lot away from the experience as it helped me understand the level you have to get to to be at the highest level.”
Under 17 European Championship Elite Qualifying Round.
We had four players all involved in the Northern Ireland U17 squad, the most from any other club. Goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly was joined by midfielder James Douglas and talented attackers Rhys Walsh & Casey Smyth. Three tough games for the young side, they conceded an injury time goal against Holland to lose 2-1, followed by a 1-0 defeat to England and then losing 4-1 to Denmark in their final match.
Goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly started in match-day 1 against Holland and was awarded man of the match, however a head injury received late in that game ruled the shot stopper out for the rest of the competition. Lorcan was looked at by medical staff and will hopefully be back playing soon.
James Douglas: “The standard of opposition was a different level, playing against some of the best players in Europe really showed the level I must aim to get to. As a team we performed really well, we were disappointed to concede in the last minute against Holland. Overall it was a great learning experience, it showed me the physical demands of playing at the highest level.”
Casey Smyth: “It was a great experience, we showed as a nation that we can compete with other top sides. I was hoping to get more minutes on the pitch, but I still took a lot away from the trip.”
Lorcan Donnelly: “Coming off the back of performing well at the last tournament, I went into the elite qualifiers full of confidence. The opening game against Holland was tough, we gave a good account of ourselves against one of the best teams in Europe. Unfortunately my tournament was cut short due to injury, but I am recovering well and look forward to getting back on the pitch with Elliott and the rest of the goalkeepers.”
Rhys Walsh: “It was a great eye opening experience and shows that we can compete with top nations. I thought at times we matched them in the games. It has given me the confidence that I can compete at a higher level.”
Under 18 Schoolboys Centenary Shield
Callan Farley has been representing the club in the prestigious U18 Schoolboys Centenary Shield competition. The defender has started all three games for Northern Ireland so far against Wales, Scotland & Republic of Ireland. Despite drawing their opening game against Scotland, Northern Ireland lost against Wales & Republic of Ireland respectively.
Callan Farley: “The centenary shield journey so far has been surreal, we still have 1 game left. The three teams we have faced have been very good, there are players from Kilmarnock & Hibernian in the Scotland side for example. The pace and intensity of the games have been high, it was a great learning experience as one simple mistake could have such an effect.”
Under 16 UEFA Development Tournament
Conor Haughey & George Feeney travelled to Poland to compete in a UEFA Development tournament against Poland, South Africa & Luxembourg. An opening 2-1 victory over South Africa followed by a 3-0 win over Luxembourg, in their final game the side lost 3-0 to Poland.
Conor Haughey: “It was a great experience to go and play other international teams to prepare us for the European qualifiers in Italy. I was delighted to start in every game, it gave me a lot of confidence that the coach trusted me in the games.”
George Feeney: “I really enjoyed my time away with the Under 16 squad. It was a good experience especially with me playing a year up. It’s a real honour to play for Northern Ireland due to my family connections.”
All 8 players have came back with valuable experience in their time away. Playing against different nations in elite level games. Something that will no doubt benefit them going forward in their development.