I won’t show U19s my goal against Ukraine: Mcauley

NORTHERN Ireland legend Gareth Mcauley will relish taking on Ukraine in the Finals of the European Championships again but don’t expect this King of Lyon to be using his famous 2016 goal as inspiration for his Under-19 team.

Mcauley smiled when the draw for the Euro Under-19 Finals was made at Titanic Belfast yesterday with his Northern Ireland youngsters pitted against Italy, Norway and Ukraine in Group A.

Eight years ago, Mcauley netted one of the most famous goals in the nation’s history in a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in France. As fate would have it, this summer the ex-west Brom defender will aim to beat Ukraine once more in his role as national team Under-19 manager in the youth tournament to be hosted here from July 15-28.

“Everybody will look back at my career and look at our opening game against Ukraine but it’s a completely different kettle of fish,” said Mcauley.

“I’ve been asked if I’ll be putting videos of my goal from the Euro 2016 game on for our players but it’s not in my culture and the boys would just laugh at me!

“There will be things around that game such as it being a must-win fixture for us, so that will be used as a reference perhaps. It’s funny how things get thrown up like that in football all the time.”

With Group B featuring Spain, France, Denmark and Turkiye, Mcauley was ‘happy’ with the draw and even though Northern Ireland will be underdogs he is determined they won’t just make the numbers up.

Asked what he was looking to achieve, Mcauley said: “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 but they gave a great account of themselves (in a 3-2 friendly defeat).

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

“At the end of the day, 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.”

Mcauley, who has called on the Northern Ireland public to come out and support his team when the tournament starts, added: “The biggest thing for me is the kids. I want to help and guide them.

“I have had opportunities to do other things but I think the bond and belief in them has kept me focused to be a part of their journey.

“I want to move along with them to help and guide them to a stage where their culture and environment by the time they get to Michael (O’neill) is already instilled in them.

“That’s what keeps me motivated and yes there’s good, bad and frustrating days.

“I’ve had to learn what battles I can and can’t fight and what I can and can’t say but that’s part of the learning curve.

“In terms of support, I’ve got great backing within the IFA and I am enjoying it.”