We met up with defender Luke McCullough after he returned to Cantley Park after Under 21 international duty for Northern Ireland.
Although he has yet to feature for the first team this term, he is gaining valuable match practice while with the Irish side.
Luke how do you view your international duty this week?
"The two defeats 0-1 to Belgium and 1-3 to Serbia were a big disappointment for me but the positives where that I got two ninety minutes under my belt. Playing against different countries and styles is good for my career with the experience a good test. It was a higher level with the sides we faced having players who are playing at high levels across Europe. Belgium and Serbia both have quality players who feature for some of the top clubs, so it was a stiff test for us but a good learning curve defending against them."
You have moved up a level from earlier internationals?
"This is first few games for the Under 21 set up, which is really good because I have moved up another step in the international teams. It’s a step nearer the full international squad and is a good chance to impress the national manager."
Have you come back fully fit?
"Yes I have no injury problems and playing will have been good for my general fitness as game will be coming thick and fast here, so I want to be ready if I’m called on. The games against these sides if different to club football in that it’s a faster tempo at this qualifying stage but its good to get fit while learning from different players and how to defend against them."
Have you had any feedback from the national manager?
"I think he was generally happy with how I played in the two games. I lost my man for one of the Serbian goals from a corner but apart from that I feel I did well. The national manager sends reports about my performance back to the club so I am sure the gaffer will look over them and have a chat with me."