Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Saints kid McCann’s international call-up delights boss Wright
ST JOHNSTONE boss Tommy Wright is delighted midfielder Ali McCann has been called into the Northern Ireland U/21 squad for games at home to Malta tomorrow and away to Finland on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old qualifies as his father comes from there.
He has been with Saints for seven years, having signed from Edinburgh youth team Hutchison Vale.
McCann has been a regular in Saints’ midfield this season, gaining good reviews from Wright.
Tommy said: “Ali has done well. I expected him to push on this season and that is what he has done.
“It’s great for Ali and the club that he has been called up.
“It is another step on the ladder for Ali and I am delighted for him.
“He is learning well from playing in a midfield with Murray Davidson and Liam Craig alongside him. He can learn even more from these two experienced campaigners.”
The youngster spent part of last season on loan at Stranraer whose manager Stevie Farrell predicts a bright future for McCann, stating: “Ali is a player who can go on to have a good career.”
Kyle McClean, who was with Saints until being released on Monday, is also with the Northern Irish U/1 squad.
Two other Saints are also on international duty, David Wotherspoon is in the Canada squad to face Cuba twice and Mahdis Vihmann is in the Estonia squad for Euro qualifiers at home to Belarus and Holland.
Tommy added: “It’s a while since we have had three players away with their countries, so i t ’s great.”
ST JOHNSTONE striker David McMillan has joined League One Falkirk on a season-long loan deal.