I’ll sell my U19 stars the dream

GARETH MCAULEY has set his Northern Ireland Under-19 squad the challenge of getting out of their group following the draw for this summer’s 2024 European Championship.

The tournament will be played across Windsor Park, Seaview and Inver Park this July with yesterday’s draw evoking memories of Euro 2016 after the hosts were paired with Ukraine in Group A.

Mcauley famously headed home the first goal against the Ukranians in Lyon nearly eight years ago to set Northern Ireland on their way to the knockout rounds.

Now, in his first tournament as a manager, the former West Brom man (above) believes his youngsters are good enough to do the same in a group which also features Norway and current holders Italy.

The 44-year-old, when asked about his hopes for the tournament, replied: “The same as we did at Euro 2016 – to get out of the group.

“I think it’s possible as I have a good group. Yes, they’re young as a lot of them have two years at U19 level but they are good enough.

“We went to Italy in my first game in September, we only had three days on the training pitch before, but they gave a great account of themselves.

“Having seen that up close and the belief they can draw from that in terms of going toe-to-toe with these guys already, it’s going to be really important for them.

“I’m a salesman and I’m going to sell them a dream.

“They are playing on home soil, there are pathways into the senior team and there will be people worldwide watching them.

“They all want to be footballers so there’s no better place to do it than these games.”