Redman's praise for young Ports striker on NI duty

Nathaniel Ferris (right) from Portadown finished with three goals during his appearance for Northern Ireland Schoolboys under 18s against Jersey.

However, the teenager will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of Redman on at least one front.

Ferris recently returned from a first taste of international football with Northern Ireland Schoolboys under 18s having grabbed four goals in two games.

His progress against, respectively, Guernsey and Jersey, will bolster Ferris’ hopes of securing a spot in the forthcoming Centenary Shield.

Redman, a former Centenary Shield representative, was also on the international tour thanks to his Irish Football Association position.

“I played in the Centenary Shield about a decade ago and it was a great opportunity,” said Redman. “You could see a real team ethic developing within the Northern Ireland group after just a few hours of training together and over the two games.

“Nathaniel certainly looked impressive in training and the two games, plus can take great confidence from his goals.

“It was great to see a Portadown player not only involved but also getting off the mark for Northern Ireland.”

Ferris celebrated his return to club duty with a weekend brace for a tally of six goals across five days.