I thought we had real chance to make more history: Stafford

FROM BACK PAGE Lavery’s elevation is a reward for his performances with Linfield in the Europa League qualifiers.

The young striker scored again in Europe on Thursday night as Linfield narrowly lost out 2-1 to Qarabag in Azerbaijan in the second leg.

Lavery scored twice for the Blues against the same opposition last week in a memorable 3-2 victory.

“We are very proud of what we have achieved and from a good pre-season we were well prepared,” said Stafford. “I’m just devastated it has ended as I thought we had a wee chance.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank my team-mates, the staff and especially the supporters. Some of the backing we got at Windsor Park over the summer has been incredible.

“I am just disappointed we couldn’t give them another couple of games but it’s done now and we will get ready for the big league games,” he added.

Meanwhile, Healy (right) said he was “surprised” Uefa appointed a Russian referee for the second leg in Azerbaijan

“The majority of the referee’s decisions went to the home team — little throw-ins, little 50-50 decisions,” said Healy. • THERE are two new names in the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad while four Irish League players have been called up by manager Ian Baraclough.

Southampton goalkeeper Tommy Scott and Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown, both English-born, have been brought into the panel for the upcoming Uefa

U-21 Championship qualifiers, at home to Malta on Friday, September

6 at Ballymena Showgrounds and away to Finland on Tuesday, September 10.

Scott joined Saints from National League side Yeovil Town earlier this month, while Brown spent time on loan at Livingston last season. The 21-year-old made almost 50 senior appearances for Wealdstone before joining Cardiff in January last year.

Neither player has previously represented Northern Ireland at any level.

Northern Ireland U21 squad: Goalkeepers: Conor Hazard (Celtic), Tommy Scott (Southampton)

Defenders: Caolan Marron (Glenavon), Kofi Balmer (Ballymena United), Eoin Toal (Derry City), Pierce Bird (Notts County), Ciaron Brown (Cardiff City), Lewis Thompson (Blackburn Rovers), Bobby Burns (Hearts)

Midfielders: Cameron Palmer (Partick Thistle), Alfie McCalmont (Leeds United), Kyle McClean (St Johnstone), Jake Dunwoody (Stoke City), Ethan Galbraith (Manchester United), Chris Gallagher (Glentoran), Shea Gordon (Partick Thistle), Caolan Boyd-Munce (Birmingham City) Forwards: David Parkhouse (Derry City), Lewis McCann (Dunfermline).

• NORTHERN Ireland under-19 international Liam Hassin has left Larne by mutual consent. WARRENPOINT Town striker Alan O’Sullivan is still full of confidence despite his side’s poor start to the season.

O’Sullivan puts his self-belief down to captaining Team Ireland at the World University Games in Italy in the summer.

Today he will aim to pass a massive examination at home to Cliftonville with first class honours. It would not be the first time.

Last season Warrenpoint lost their opening six league games. The club’s campaign was transformed when O’Sullivan scored a dynamic double to earn his side a crucial 2-1 victory over the Solitude Reds.

From there Stephen McDonnell’s men never looked back. They eased out of relegation worries and reached the Irish Cup semi-finals and Mid-Ulster Cup decider.

This term Town have suffered three league defeats out of three, conceding 12 goals. They have yet to find the net in the Danske Bank Premiership and on Tuesday night were knocked out of the Bet McLean League Cup by Championship outfit H&W Welders.

McDonnell will be demanding better from his players and hoping that a big performance and victory against Cliftonville could kick start their season.

Reflecting on his experience at the World University Games, O’Sullivan said: “Scoring a few goals was something I was very proud of. It has filled me with confidence that I can hopefully bring to Warrenpoint this season.”

Cliftonville can feel reasonably happy with what they have achieved — seven points from four games with the only blemish a defeat at home to north Belfast rivals Crusaders.

Both Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin and counterpart McDonnell like their sides to play attractive football so a compelling contest is in prospect.