Local lads get the nod for NI duty

Gareth McConaghie, Michael McQuitty, Lee Patrick, Denver Gage and Peter Spratt have been selected for the Junior Squad which will take part in the Umbro Quadrangle Tournament.

Kicking off on Wednesday, the tournament will pit the local lads against the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The eligibility criteria differs from that of the Regions Cup meaning players who have previously played in the top flight can still take part in the competition.

This means players from teams such as Limavady and Loughgall - who have mostly played in the Irish Premiership - are able to take part.`

"I have enjoyed having the freedom of being able to choose from a bigger amount of players," said manager Harry McConkey.

"Last time, I used the criteria of the Regions Cup in selecting my Quadrangle team, just to help gel them together.

"But of course, by doing that I was missing a lot of good players, and missing the opportunity to give a lot of young players a chance."

The boss has called on fans to come out and support the boys for the duration of the tournament.

He said: "Unfortunately, the timing isn't right with it being towards the end of the season but the truth is there is no right time in a season to go around asking for players!

"It is just like any international squad, the secret is to be open and transparent to club managers and keep them well informed."

Matchday 1: Wed 21 5.45pm Scotland v Northern Ireland at Drumaness Mills

Isle of Man v Republic of Ireland at Rathfriland Rangers

Matchday 2: Thur 22 5.45pm Scotland v Isle of Man at Killyleagh YC

Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland at Banbridge Town

Matchday 3: Sat 24 3.00pm Republic of Ireland v Scotland at Banbridge Town

Isle of Man v Northern Ireland at Drumaness Mills

The squad: Goalkeepers: Marc Robinson (Loughgall); Michael Doherty (Limavady United).

Defenders: Brian Pentland (Loughgall); Mark McConkey (Ballinamallard United); Declan McKeever (Limavady United); Gareth McConaghie (Limavady United); Denver Gage (Ballymoney United); Peter Spratt (Limavady United); Neil Alderdice (Loughgall).

Midfielders: Lee Patrick (Limavady United); Cathal Beacom (Ballinamallard United); Darren McNamee (Carrick Rangers); Ryan Moffett (Loughgall); Stuart Dallas (Coagh United); David Kee (Ballinamallard United) / replaced by Michael McQuitty (Ballymoney United).

Forwards: Davy Patton (Limavady United); Paul McDowell (Loughgall); Barry Bloomer (Carrick Rangers); Ryan Campbell (Dergview); Andy Crawford (Ballinamallard United).