Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ALL GOING TO FLAN
Sunderland star Tom says corner has been turned
BLACK Cat Tom Flanagan believes Northern Ireland’s luck is changing under Ian Baraclough and he’s hoping to hit the jackpot by reaching a major tournament.
Flanagan, who hopes to lay down a marker in Estonia today ahead of Wednesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier with the Swiss, has had to be patient for opportunities so far.
But he believes the future is bright for the national set-up with so many young players making an early mark under Baraclough who was appointed last year.
No fewer than six players who started Thursday’s 4-1 win in
Lithuania are aged 24 or under, including Dan
Ballard and
Shayne Lavery who bagged their first international goals.
Asked if he senses something special developing under Baraclough, Flanagan said: “I do and it’s been really refreshing to be in the middle of it and seeing the young boys do so well.
“One of the differences I think is that the young guys are doing really well in their club careers and that transcends onto the international stage.
“There is also a real bond between the players. If this group is able to stick together – and I think it can – they can get to a major tournament at some stage and be really successful.”
Flanagan’s late cameo in Vilnius was his first appearance in green since a 2-1 Nations League defeat to Austria in Vienna last November.
“I’m very pleased to get myself back in contention,” said the 29-year-old, who has starred for high-flying League One club Sunderland this season.
It’s all a far cry from last season when Flanagan featured in only 16 of his club’s 46 league games because of a series of niggly injuries. “Last season is one I want to put behind me,” he said. “It was a frustrating period so it’s brilliant to be back and this game is a great opportunity to put our cards on the table.
“In international football you want to win as many caps as possible and try to get to major tournaments,
so to get back in the group is brilliant and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
While Flanagan has a modest nine caps on his CV to date, he has experienced several big games with Northern Ireland since making his debut against New Zealand in 2017.
He played a part in October’s Euro play-off defeat to Slovakia, started against Germany in Frankfurt and came on against the Netherlands in Rotterdam in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
During his time in green, he has pitted his wits against the likes of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry, Barcelona new boy Memphis Depay and Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland (left).
“You learn loads from those experiences,” he said. “I’ve been very lucky to be entrusted to play and get put in at important times, so it has stood me in good stead.
“I’ve played in some big games and I’ve been very lucky and worked hard to get to that point. I’ve been very patient.
“I’ve bided my time and I’m pleased with where I’m currently at.”