MCLAUGHLIN CAPPED BY NORTHERN IRELAND

Posted on March 28, 2011 in Millwall

First year scholar Conor McLaughlin has added to PNE’s growing list of international representatives after making his Northern Ireland U19 debut in their 2-0 victory over Iceland at Coleraine Showgrounds on Monday night.

McLaughlin lined up at centre half for his country and played the full 90 minutes as goals from Port Vale’s James Lawrie and Celtic forward Deaglan Bunting sealed victory in one of two warm up games between the two countries this week, in which Northern Ireland will name two entirely different sides to test the resources available to them.

Youth team coach Jamie Hoyland and chief youth scout Jim McCluskie flew out to see the Belfast born youngster in action, with Hoyland telling PNE.com:

“Conor played very well on the night, and getting a run out like that is great for his long term development.

“We were delighted that he was involved in the game and hopefully he can continue to be considered for selection at that level.”

The Irish face England, Albania and Serbia when the qualifying groups for the 2009 UEFA U19 Championships are staged in Northern Ireland next month, so McLaughlin will no doubt be hoping he’s done enough to confirm his place for the big matches, which include the all-UK tie to be played at Windsor Park on October 10th.