Smyth set for NI senior debut
Young striker catches Michael O'Neill's eye after starring for Under-21s
One of Northern Ireland’s rising stars could be in line for his senior international debut, it emerged today.
Paul Smyth (20) has been in impressive form both domestically with QPR and the NI Under-21s side.
And in front of Michael O’Neill last night at Shamrock Park he put in another fine performance as the Under-21s pushed Spain all of the way in a thrilling Euro 2019 qualifier before losing 5-3.
Now the former Linfield player is expected to feature in tomorrow night’s international friendly with South Korea.
Under-21s boss Ian Baraclough said he was hugely proud of his players for fighting back to draw level three times with one of the best young sides in the world.
But he reserved special praise for Smyth and two other young stars – 19-year-old Everton striker Shayne Lavery (pictured above) and young Crusaders winger Gavin Whyte.
“We knew that we could be a threat in behind with the top three that were all quick and willing to run behind – I thought Shayne Lavery worked tirelessly all night Gavin Whyte was a threat when he got the ball at feet in the final third and shown his qualities,” he said
“And Paul Smyth when he is running with the ball in the right areas and I mean in the right areas he is a threat to anybody.
“So with that three you are always in the game.”
Baraclough added that any young player getting a senior call-up will have justified their selection.
“Michael (O’Neill) is not going to take people for the sake of it,” he said.
“It would be great for the lads to go with them.
“If Paul Smyth gets any sort of game time it will do him at the world of good as it will Jamal Lewis and Conor Hazard and any other boys who will probably come into the reckoning later down the line.”
Next up for the Under-21s is another Euro qualifier against Iceland on Monday night.
Smyth was booked last night so will miss that game.
Northern Ireland currently sit second in their group - five points behind favourites, Spain.