Josh Doherty has travelled with the Northern Ireland U21 squad ahead of their game with Albania on Friday evening in Tirana (5pm UK time).
The side top their Euro 2019 U21 Championship group having claimed 12 points from their five matches ahead of their next group match at the Selman Stermasi Stadium tomorrow night.
The results in the current qualifying campaign are made all the more impressive given the fact that the side failed to win a game in their previous campaign – but they have since made great strides under manager Ian Baraclough.
The reverse fixture in the group came back in August where the hosts claimed a last gasp 1-0 win thanks to Liam Donnelley’s 95th minute strike.
The defender was also part of the squad who beat Estonia 4-2 last month and he was delighted to be able to be part of the team for the second game in a row.
“It’s another great opportunity for me,” he said.
“I’ve been getting some game time at club level and now I’m finding myself as a consistent part of the international side too.
“I just know I need to keep working hard and applying myself for both club and country and hopefully keep making the most of the opportunities that will continue to come my way."
