Linfield manager and Northern Ireland legend David Healy has voiced his pride at the club’s role in developing young talent after watching Brighton defender Ruairi McConville make his senior international bow.
McConville, a Linfield Academy graduate, was called up to the Northern Ireland squad for the first time and made his debut as a late substitute in the 2-0 win over Belarus at Windsor Park.
The 19-year-old centre-back captained Northern Ireland Under-19s and plays for his club’s Under-21 side.
Ten of the 26 players in Michael O’Neill’s original squad for this double-header came through the Blues Academy.
McConville is hoping for more game-time against Luxembourg on Monday, with fellow defender Ciaron Brown suspended for the final group clash.
Youth development in Northern Ireland is now a competitive business, with the top clubs looking to recruit and nurture the most promising talent, however Healy insists Linfield’s record is unrivalled and the challenge is to keep the conveyor belt moving.
Former NI hero David Healy is proud to see Linfield provide a pathway for young talent
“I’m proud of the players being given the opportunity and proud of the football club for the role they have played in their development,” said the Northern Ireland men’s record goalscorer.
“I always go back to the time when the Irish FA and Northern Ireland Football League asked us to raise standards and clubs have responded.
“Ourselves, Larne and other sides such as Coleraine, Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts – just look at the exceptional talent Conor Bradley – have done that, and we are fortunate at this club to have a brilliant pathway.
“It doesn’t matter how young the players are, they can feel there’s a pathway to the first-team or like Ruairi to Brighton where he will get more experience, exposure and learning.
“In an ideal world, as manager you want to keep these players, but when they move on, the club can benefit financially.
“It’s great to everyone in the Irish League. I want it to be better and the standard to be better.
“The Academies should be proud of their work but the harsh reality is you need to keep that conveyor belt going.
“We can’t rest on our laurels, we need more young players coming through for our first-teams and the international sides.
“There’s competition from everybody to recruit the best players, and at Linfield, we have prided ourselves at being the best. Over the last five or six years, we have helped to produce so many internationals.
“You build up relationships with parents and players and we can show how effective our pathway has been.”
Young Linfield ace Matthew Orr scored for Northern Ireland Under-19s in their 3-1 defeat to Israel in a Uefa U19 Euro qualifier in Albania.
“It was disappointing we didn’t have him (against Larne), but he was involved with players like Ceadach O’Neill, Aodhan Doherty, Braiden Graham and Josh Briggs, who we know well,” said Healy.
Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis, meanwhile, says he’s been impressed with the squad’s togetherness and willingness to take inspiration from golden memories.
The unforgettable 3-1 home win over Greece in 2015 was a coming-of-age moment for Magennis. The one-time goalkeeper and then Kilmarnock striker who had never previously found the net for Northern Ireland scored the second with a deft header and, combined with Steven Davis’ double, it signalled the start of a Euro 2016 Finals party.
It was a major tournament for the first time in 30 years and a first European Finals.
Josh Magennis is relishing his role as one of the elder statesmen in the squad
“Most of the boys with Northern Ireland, the squad we’ve had we’ve always lived in each other’s pockets,” explained the 34-year-old.
“We don’t have anyone who sits in a room away from it. We’ve always been in and about it, and we’re always talking and we’ve always prided ourselves on that.
“I think that’s one of the biggest things Michael has had, he’s always been able to put a decent bunch of fellas together, and whether we win or lose, we do it together.
“So, when we’re talking, the lads are talking about when I first came into the squad, what was it like? Who did I look up to? Who did I use to room with? What was my first game? All this type of stuff, and you find yourself thinking, f***, I’ve been around!
“So, it’s just the chats and questions you get back and just passing it on. I always remember when David Healy was in the squad, he said before you know it, you’ll be me and it’ll be someone asking, and now that time has actually come.
“But it’s brilliant because you’re talking to people in your industry, but the age bracket and the demographic is so far beyond.
“But it’s brilliant because I don’t talk down to them and they don’t treat me like an old dinosaur. It’s very much team-mates and we have a good time.”