Before the new season kicks off, Northern Ireland’s internationals have been keeping fresh by embarking on their domestic club’s pre-season tours. Lund, Lafferty, Dallas and McCartan have all hit the back of the net so far.
Jonny Evans showed why he received the captain’s armband at West Bromwich Albion as he played 90 minutes, coolly dispatching a spot kick in a penalty shoot-out against Leicester. Chris Brunt also featured in the Premier League Asia Trophy semi-final for WBA, spending his time in attacking midfield. Gareth McAuley did not travel to Hong Kong as he continues his rehabilitation from a thigh injury.
Northern Ireland and Southampton captain Steven Davis kicked off his club’s preseason with a 0-0 draw against Swiss Super League side St Gallen. Davis played the second half, replacing Jordy Clasie and gave goalkeeper Daniel Lopar his biggest test of the game with a fierce shot just parried wide.
Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion have been keeping Liam Boyce and Matty Lund busy over the summer having played and won three preseason games already. Lund couldn’t have asked for a better start, scoring in the second minute of his first game against Kidsgrove Athletic and going on to score in each of the next two games against Mickleover Sports and Solihull Moors.
Boyce has only appeared as a substitute for Burton so far and will be looking to snag his first goal for the club when they take on AFC Wimbledon on 21 July.
Stuart Dallas had the perfect start to his preseason warm up scoring the first two goals for Leeds in their 1-5 victory over Guiseley on 8 July.
Kyle Lafferty scored the winner and his first goal for new club Heart of Midlothian FC during the opening game of the Betfred Cup against Elgin City.
Kyle said, “Delighted to score my first goal for @JamTarts. Tough game but the lads dug deep and got what we came for.”
Josh Magennis has looked sharp for Charlton in their preseason victories against Welling United and Dover Athletic and will be hoping to continue his form going into their next game against Broadhall Way on Saturday 22 July.
Niall McGinn is settling into life in South Korea making two substitute appearances for his new club Gwangju United.
Following his recent call up to the Northern Ireland squad, Shay McCartan celebrated his transfer to Bradford City with a goal against German side TV Echterdingen.
