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STARS OF THE FUTURE STEP UP AGAINST ROMANIA
WHEN N.Ireland U21s take on Romania at the Ballymena Showgrounds this afternoon in an Nationwide International Challenge Match, 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, proving 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 the game and admits it is nice to get break from club football and test himself against international players.
"It is nice to meet up with the squad again and see all the lads, 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.
Northern Ireland U21s will be participating in an Nationwide International Challenge match against Romania this afternoon. The match kicks off at Ballymena Showgrounds (KO 2pm).
Roy Millar will be using the match as preparation for the squad’s vital UEFA Qualifier against Germany in September. The match, against Germany, will be the team’s last group match in the UEFA U21 Championships.
Admission is payable at the gate- £5 for adults and £3 for concessions and senior citizens. Members of the IFA Official Supporters Scheme will get into the match for free on production of their membership card.
