Blaine McClure insists the Northern Ireland players are relishing the prospect of playing in the U19 Euros on home soil this summer.
The Irish Football Association is hosting the 2024 UEFA Under-19 Men’s European Championship along with European football’s governing body, with the Northern Ireland U19 team being managed by former international Gareth McAuley.
McClure believes this summer’s tournament, which is running from 15 to 28 July, presents the perfect opportunity for the Northern Ireland players to show what they can do – and he is looking forward to playing in front of lots of home fans.
He admitted it would be “unbelievable” to walk out in front of what he hopes will be a large crowd at the team’s first game - against Ukraine at Larne’s Inver Park on Monday 15 July (7pm). Their other games in Group A are against Italy (18 July) and Norway (21 July).
The midfielder, who only turned 17 back in February, is set to be one of the youngest members of McAuley’s squad.
He explained he is two years younger than most of the players who will likely make the panel – the squad is due to be announced early next month – and also revealed the older players have been very welcoming. He said they had provided him with lots of advice and information.
The teenager further said: “It’s a special group of players. G (Gareth McAuley) always encourages us to drive our own standards, and as a group we drive our own standards.”
McClure, who has also played for Northern Ireland at U16 and U17 levels, has made five appearances for the U19s to date.
And he would love nothing better than to add to that caps tally next month.
The midfielder said it would be “unbelievable” to play at a major UEFA tournament in Northern Ireland and to play in front of his family and friends.
“It would be such a good feeling,” he admitted.
The teenager further revealed he is keen to “go out and put on a show for all the fans and my family” when the games come around.
McClure, who is from north Belfast, started his footballing journey with local club Crusaders at the age of six.
Two years later he moved on to Linfield. He stayed with the Blues for nearly eight years before signing for Rangers last summer.
His move to Glasgow eventually came after Rangers scout Phil Cowan watched him playing for the Blues over a number of years.
McClure played in several trial games in Glasgow before signing for the Ibrox club. “I must have done OK for them to sign me,” he quipped.
The former Belfast Boys’ Model pupil supported Rangers as a boy, so it’s a dream come true for him to pull on the famous blue shirt.
“From the first time I went across to Scotland, it just felt like home. The facilities, the staff, the way they play football was all just great. It was a huge moment for family and friends when I signed,” he explained.
And McClure has enjoyed a successful first season with the ’Gers.
He made his Rangers ‘B’ team debut in a 5-3 victory over Dundee back in February, and he helped the club’s U18s to secure the Scottish Youth Cup.
The 17-year-old is a product of the full-time Irish FA JD Academy currently based at Ulster University Jordanstown.
He pointed out: “The academy made me better prepared for a move away from my family, friends and parents. It got me into the swing of things so I could do well.”
The midfielder said he will not be fazed if selected by Gareth McAuley to play in the U19 Euros.
He explained: "Rangers are a club that need to win and that means you have to perform at your best.
"You try to carry that experience of playing under that pressure over to the international side.”
To buy tickets to U19 Euros matches go to irishfa.com/u19euro.
