Rotherham United youngster Reece McGinley has been called up to the Northern Ireland under 18 squad for two games against Denmark under 18s.
The winger will be competing for a place for the games that are being staged in Dungannon (28th February) and Castledawson (2nd March).
Academy manager Garreth Barker hailed the progress of the youngster after some impressive performances of late:
“Reece is a fantastic young man. In games he has been very productive and last weekend he really gave his opposing full-back a tough afternoon. He has now been selected for the two friendlies for Northern Ireland which is fully deserved. After speaking with Matt (Hamshaw) Reece is another who could be brought in around the first-team squad and potentially a matchday squad. He is progressing very nicely at the moment.”
Northern Ireland U17s and U19s boss Stephen Frail has organised the matches to take a look at players who could potentially join the U19 squad over the next 12 months.
He explained: "I felt there was too long a gap in terms of contact time between seeing our players at under-17 level and under-19 level. I think these two friendlies against a top European side will be a chance to see how several players are developing since I first saw them at under-17 level.
“In my role I visit the players at clubs’ academies to check on how they are progressing but these games will enable me to see where they are in terms of playing international football.”