Schoolboy Gorman set for NI debut

26 May 2010 08:09
Schoolboy Johnny Gorman is one of five players handed their Northern Ireland debuts by Nigel Worthington for the friendly clash with Turkey.[LNB] The Sheffield-born Wolves midfielder, given leave from his A-level studies to go on tour, is set for his first cap at the age of 17 on the left side of a five-man midfield named by the Northern Ireland manager for the game in Connecticut on Wednesday.[LNB]"He captures people's imagination because he's so young, he's at Repton School in England and he's a very bright boy," Worthington said.[LNB]"I've watched him a couple of times in practice sessions prior to this tour and he's caught my eye so I thought it was an ideal opportunity to bring him along and work with him closely.[LNB]"He's done nicely the couple of days we've been here and I've no qualms about putting him in."[LNB]Worthington will also hand debuts to Linfield's goalkeeper Alan Blayney and midfielders Robert Garrett and Jamie Mulgrew as well as Portadown's Kevin Braniff.[LNB]Motherwell centre back Stephen Craigan will captain the side on his 47th international appearance with Worthington also declaring all 17 squad members would be given a run in the Connecticut afternoon heat.[LNB]"If you look at the group that's here, it's split in three," Worthington said. "There's a group of young ones, there's a group of Irish League players and then you've got some of your normal, senior squad.[LNB]"So it's a case of blooding some of the young ones, giving them some experience; it's a great opportunity for the Irish League players who've done very well for their clubs throughout the season and playing against Turkey tomorrow, it's a great game."[LNB]Northern Ireland:[LNB]A Blayney (Linfield), A Little (Rangers), R McGivern (Manchester City), G McAuley (Ipswich Town), S Craigan (Motherwell) - captain; R Garrett (Linfield), C Evans (Manchester United), K Braniff (Portadown), J Mulgrew (Linfield), J Gorman (Wolverhampton); R Patterson (Coleraine)[LNB]Substitutes: M McGovern (Ross County), C Coates (Crusaders), R McArdle (Rochdale), M Bryan (Watford), J Magennis (Cardiff City), W Feeney (Cardiff City), J Lawrie (Port Vale).

Source: Team_Talk