MICHAEL Smith, (pictured below) who has been starring all season in Ballyclare Comrades' defence, enhanced his growing reputation by picking up a couple of Northern Ireland Junior International caps last week.
Owing to having played the previous evening for Ballyclare against Coagh United, Michael was not considered for the first match against Scotland who won 4-3.
Michael started against the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man, with each game endi
ng in stalemate 1-1.
Paul Caldwell had also been selected for this series, but had to withdraw after picking up an injury against Loughgall. However he and Smith will be joined by Kyle Agnew and Mark Paterson in the squad from which manager Harry McConkey will make his final selection for the European Championships in Germany in March.
Meanwhile Mark Patterson who has already played for the Northern Ireland Under 19s, has been selected for the NI Under 20s who will be travelling to Luxembourg on May 12th.
RESERVES
Silverware could be on the way to Dixon Park following the Reserves recent triumph in the semi-final of the Lisburn Cup.
They were rated as underdogs when paired with South Antrim league winners 112th OB, but the Reds turned on the style by whitewashing the favourites 5-0.
Ian McGrath's double laid the foundation for victory, with Darren Nelson, Gareth Curlett and Ryan Murray also getting on to the scorecard.
The final against Bloomfield will be played at Derriaghy CC Football Club's ground on Friday 9th May.
Before then the seniors travel to Portstewart on Tuesday 6th for their penultimate First Division fixture.
The full article contains 272 words and appears in Newtownabbey Times newspaper.
