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“IT'S NICE TO SEE THESE PLAYERS MAKING THE STEP-UP” SAYS ROCHDALE’S McARDLE
WHEN Northern Ireland U21s take on Romania at the Ballymena Showgrounds this Wednesday afternoon they will have the experienced head of Rory McArdle within their squad.
Whilst still only 20, Rory is the most capped player in Roy Millar's current squad with 18 caps and one goal already to his name and having played with the likes of Sammy Clingan and Chris Baird at that level and he would love to join them by making the step up to the senior squad.
"I have played with Brunty, Lafferty and Clingan at u21 level under Roy (Millar) and they have all made the step-up and whereas a lot of players come through u19 and u21 levels without progressing to the senior side these lads have proved that it is possible to make the step-up and it is nice to see them in the senior side," said Rory.
The Rochdale defender is looking forward to joining up with the squad again and admits it is nice to get break from club football and test himself against international players.
"It is nice see all the lads again and have a bit of banter, and it nice to get a break from the day-to-day routine of club football. Also playing u21 football is completely different from club football and you play against some great players from the likes of England or Germany so it is a good test for me and can playing against better players can make me a better player," he said.
Rochdale currently sit just outside the play-off positions in League Two, but with games in hand their destiny is in their own hands and should they make the play-offs a dream trip to the new Wembley could be on the cards for young Rory.
"We're doing alright this year. I have only missed a few games for Rochdale and I am happy with my progress and the main aim with then games to go is to push for that play-off spot. There are always personal incentives and it would be a dream come true to make the play-off final at Wembley," he said.
Having made his move to Rochdale permanent last year Rory is enjoying his football there and still feels he has a lot to learn and can improve his game.
"Especially me being a young player I think there is always room for improvement and definitely promotion would help my game because I would be playing against better players' week in week out," he added.
