Duffy thrilled with Euro call-up

The 18-year-old travelled to England with Stephen Robinson’s squad recently before finding that he was selected for next month’s Euro’s, which takes place in the province, where they will face Czech Republic, Greece and Moldova, starting from Wednesday, October 10 until Monday, October 15.

“I’m really looking forward to the qualifying games now that I’m in the squad, playing in those type of matches is something I will definitely look back on,” he admitted.

“Even though it’s only the qualifying group, it’s still great to be called up.

“The Northern Ireland U19 squad went to England for a few days as they were choosing a squad for the European Championship qualifiers.

“We had two days training and then played Leicester City U21 side and I thought it went well and thankfully I made it into the squad.

“Although we lost 2-1 I thought the game still went well, we were the better team, but we conceded two sloppy goals and from my point of view I was happy with my performance.”

Duffy, who came off the bench for Derry City during Friday nights defeat to UCD, knows that next month’s competition in gives him a chance to shine in front of scouts from around the world.

“There will be scouts at those Euro games, to be honest the only people at that friendly match in Leicester, were scouts.

“But to be honest I haven’t really looked at the future, but yeah hopefully one day I do manage to go across the water. But at the minute I’m just looking to get more games in Derry City’s first team.

“It was good to get on and hopefully I can get more appearances from now until the end of the season.”

Currently studying at the North West Regional College, the midfielder who admits his confidence is sky high at the minute, played and scored in Derry City Reserves’ 3-0 win over Bonagee and that victory secured them the Ulster Senior League title, on Wednesday night.

“My confidence is boosted because of the training camp in England and then getting selected for the Northern Ireland squad, then coming on against UCD, so hopefully I can keep this up and get more appearances.

“At the moment I just want to enjoy playing football and then see where that takes me,” concluded Duffy.

Also in the squad alongside Duffy, is former Instiute starlet Aaron McEneff, the Tottenham Hotspur man was also happy to be named in Stephen Robinson’s squad.

Incidentally Northern Ireland face Czech Republic and Greece with both games taking place at Stangmore Park; while Northern Ireland’s final match against Moldova, will take place at Shamrock Park.