Lowry bags Rooney’s jersey

Lowry got Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney’s shirt, following the Harry Gregg Testimonial encounter at Windsor Park.

The Coleraine midfielder, who was over the moon to have secured Rooney’s jersey, which the England front man signed for him after the game, was thrilled to come up against the Premier League stars.

“I asked him if I could have it and he said ‘no bother’, I offered him mine, but he said, ‘no, you’re alright,” admitted Lowry.

“It was unbelievable, it was amazing playing against such a strong United team. I got a few tackles in and had one shot, but the keeper saved it, but it’s something I will never forget.”

The 22-year-old, who’s brother Philip was also in the Irish League Select squad along with Derry City legends Peter Hutton and Sean Hargan, admitted it was a bit strange warming up alongside the likes of Red Devils legends Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

“When I was warming up I looked around me and saw Giggs, Scholes, and Rooney and it was incredible, the experience was surreal.”

Guest manager for the Irish team was Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill who told the lads to get “stuck in”.

“He told us not to be overawed by the Manchester United players, that they’re normal people, just a lot more privileged and I think the Irish League players can hold their heads high. We played well against them.”

Stephen’s older brother Philip, helped Linfield secure another Irish League and Irish Cup double, couldn’t believe it when his ex-Institute boss John Gregg, Harry’s, told him the line-up coming from Old Trafford.

“It was a great occasion. It was also a proud night for myself and Stephen. Stephen has had a brilliant season with Coleraine. We both deserved to be there and I think David Jeffrey recognised that and the sentimental value of the night for us.

“Seeing all the stars was amazing, but playing against Ryan Giggs will always stick out.”

As for Candy Stripes duo Hutton and Hargan they too were delighted to play some part in Harry’s special night, in fact Hutton bagged Ashley Young’s jersey after the game.

“It was a super occasions and I can always said that I ended my career as right-back marking Ashley Young,” admitted Hargan.

“My two boys Oisin and Tiarnan also meet Sir Alex Ferguson and for them to see there Dad playing against Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes is something they’ll never forget.”