Northern Ireland Under-21 manager Tommy Wright is looking forward to seeing his new additions in action as his side prepare to face Malta in their latest UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Three players have joined the squad since the original selection, with Paul McGovern and Conor Haughey receiving their first call-ups under Wright, while Callum Thompson of Nottingham Forest was drafted in following the withdrawal of Francis Turley.
McGovern impressed for Glenavon last season before securing a move to Falkirk, and Wright believes his performances during the early part of the current campaign have earned him his opportunity.
“Paul did really well last year with Glenavon and got a move to Falkirk. He’s been doing well for them despite not being in their squad for the last few weeks,” said Wright.
“However, based on what he’s done in the early part of the season I feel he deserves a call-up.”
Haughey also enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, being named Fleetwood Town’s Player of the Year, and Wright is pleased to have the defender back involved after he missed the summer camp.
“Conor Haughey, too, had a great season last year securing Young Player of the Year at Fleetwood. We can see how talented he is and we’re pleased he’s with us after missing the camp in the summer.”
Both players have settled into the group quickly, with Wright keen to give them an opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
“They have settled in well to the squad and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the pitch over the next few games,” he said.
“They will be up against players, some of which will be five years older than them, which will be great experience for them.”
Wright believes the Under-21 environment provides an important platform for young players as they look to progress towards senior international football.
“I see our Under-21 set-up as a great platform for our players and I am proud of the fact that Northern Ireland give experience and exposure to players so early in their career, which can only benefit them in the long term,” he said.
“Once this campaign finishes it’s important they go back to their clubs, kick on and try and reach the highest levels they can and ultimately play for the senior men’s team.
“That could take one year, two years or even five years. There is no set path or formula. It’ll be down to the players, but also a bit of luck comes into it. You need to be in the right place at the right time.
“Look at the likes of Michael Forbes, Patrick Kelly and Jamie McDonnell, all of whom were selected for Michael’s senior team.”
Attention now turns to Malta, with Wright expecting a different challenge from the previous meeting between the sides despite Northern Ireland’s positive performance in that encounter.
“We are looking forward to these games. I’m hoping we get a similar dominance in the Malta game that we had in the last encounter,” he said.
“That said, it’ll be a different game. It’ll be warm conditions and played on a 3G pitch, all factors we need to take into consideration.
“In the home game we pressed them and made life difficult. We will be on the front foot from the first whistle.
“They may be the weakest side in the group on paper, but they have some good players. Our job is to not let them play.”
