Release Date: 11/03/2010

Author: By Nathan Hanna

NORTHERN Ireland’s U17 goalkeeper Ross Glendinning believes that he and his team mates are ready to step up to the challenge which lies ahead next week in the 2009/2010 UEFA European U17 Championship Elite round mini-tournament.

In the Group 4 tournament, which is being hosted by Northern Ireland, Paul Kee’s side will take on Spain, Poland and Belgium as they bid to book their place in the Finals in Liechtenstein in May. 

It will be a big challenge for the boys, as only the top team in each group is guaranteed a place in the Finals along with the best runner-up of the seven groups qualifying (due to hosts Liechtenstein withdrawing their team from the competition).  However it is a challenge which Ross and his team mates are certainly looking forward to.

The Linfield stopper debuted for the Northern Ireland U17 side in September and hasn't looked back since.  “We know the next phase of the tournament will be even harder (than the first) but we have a talented team and a great team spirit, as we all know each other from living in such a small country and we are confident that we can finish top of the group and qualify for the Finals,” he said.

The Glengormley schoolboy is enjoying the opportunities that he has been given and has big plans for the future, hoping to break into the Linfield first team at some stage.

Acknowledging the tough test that lies ahead of his side in the upcoming tournament, Ross is wary of the talent he will have to face.  “If you look at the teams that are in our group the one that jumps out is Spain. They are regarded as one of the best footballing nations in the world and have produced world class players.  We know that the three games we will play will be extremely difficult and we will need to be focused on each opponent and perform to get good results.”

Ross realises the importance of having home advantage over the three games and is calling for all Northern Ireland fans to come out and support the team.  “I am extremely excited about the fixtures and what makes it more exciting is that we get to play with the home crowd behind us and this alone will be a big boost,” he said.

2009/10 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round – Group 4 - mini tournament:

Admission to each game in the mini tournament is £2 for adults and £1 concessions - members of the Irish FA's Official Supporters Schemes get in for free on production of their membership card.

So make sure you come along and cheer on the Northern Ireland boys as they bid to book their place in the European Finals in May.

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