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Paddy McNair is one really lucky 19-year-old lad. The Irishman made his debut for United against West Ham at Old Trafford this season and has gone from strength to strength since that match.
He came on in the second half following Chris Smalling’s ludicrous sending off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and looked calm, confident and assured on the ball. He adopted a no nonsense approach which underlined the kind of positive attitude and character he possesses.
Michael O’Neill wanted to include McNair for the previous round of international games but an unfortunate hamstring injury ruled the 19-year-old out.
“It’s really good,” McNair told ManUtd.com when asked about the call-up. “When I was growing up, I always aimed to play for my country. Obviously, as I’ve been playing for United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, I did hope I would receive the call.
“I’m really happy to get called up. I could have been involved last month for the Faroe Islands and Greece games, so it’s great I’ve been recalled to join the squad for Romania.”
“I want to keep working hard and try to play as many games as I can for United,” he vowed. “Hopefully, I can break into the Northern Ireland team when I go. I do know a few of the lads – Corry Evans and Luke McCullough from United, of course. I know some others from the Under-21s, so I am looking forward to it.”
It will be interesting to see if McNair can sustain the high standards he has set for himself and maintain the red hot run of form he has been exhibiting of late.
