Promo: Westlife’s Nicky Byrne hails East Antrim fans

Former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, who opened the Dale Farm Milk Cup 2014. Nicky played the tournament on three occasions as a professional goalkeeper. ©Russell Pritchard

Speaking as he prepared to open the Dale Farm Milk Cup 2014 in Coleraine, Nicky told his East Antrim fans: “Invite me and I’ll be there!

The Dublin-born star played in the football tournament himself as a young goalkeeper with Home Farm and Leeds United.

Nicky told The Times: “Great memories, we always knew about the Milk Cup being one of the biggest youth football tournaments in the world.

“When you’re a young lad playing football and all you want to do is play professionally you do look to the big tournaments and the Milk Cup, it didn’t get any bigger at that age.

“You live and breathe as a pro footballer.”

Asked if he had any messages for his fans in East Antrim, Nicky replied: “It’s great to be back here. In the Westlife days I always remember the great, great support from the people of Northern Ireland.”

Nicky also admitted that he could be persuaded to perform in East Antrim, and revealed details of his forthcoming album.

For the full story see this week’s Times, in shops now.