Northern Ireland’s Under-17s produced a performance described as heroic by manager Andy Waterworth in a scoreless draw with Norway U17s as the invitational tournament in Spain continued.
Competition
Prep Tournament
Scoreline
Northern Ireland U17s 0-0 Norway U17s
Venue
Estadio Olimpico Camilo Cano, La Nucia
Date
8 February 2025
Team News
U17s boss Andy Waterworth has brought a 22-strong squad, captained by Troy Savage, to Spain for a four-team preparation tournament ahead of U17 Euro 2025 elite round qualifiers next month.
The Norwegian Football Federation has organised the tournament at La Nucia. It features Norway, Sweden, Poland and Northern Ireland.
Waterworth's side began the tournament with a superb performance in a 1-1 draw with Poland on Thursday, coming from behind to level through Sidney Eldred's spot-kick four minutes from time.
How it happened
A closely fought affair, both sides had their chances in the first half and although Norway may have enjoyed slightly more possession they couldn't find a way past a well marshalled Northern Ireland defence.
Indeed Waterworth went on to name centre half Calum Anderson, a product of the JD Academy, as his man-of-the-match. Anderson and Joel Kerr were the two 2009-born players in the starting XI who will be able to play at this level for another year.
Half-time: Northern Ireland U17s 0-0 Norway U17s
The second half was very much a repeat of the first, with both sides coming close to finding a way through in the closing stages.
Norway keeper Oskar Rikard Nilsson was called into action to turn a decent effort over the top before play switched to the other end for Finn McDonnell to snuff out an Alan Cole shot from inside the six-yard box.
Speaking after the game, Waterworth was at pains to pay a glowing tribute to his side: "What an unbelievable performance. Our backs were against the wall at times, but we were heroic. I just thought the boys were class.
"We had the better chances in the game, and produced some real good build-up play, too. In fairness Norway got on top of us at times but we just battled so heroically.
"I'm a really proud manager, I'm really proud of the effort. We missed chances, and we thought it wasn't going to be our night but we also defended so well.
"It really gave me a lot of heart that the boys are playing for the jersey. They are a real strong, talented and humble group of players. I'm a proud man."
The team are back at Estadio Olimpico Camilo Cano on Monday (10 February) for the concluding game against Sweden, kick-off 7pm local time. The Swedes top the group with four points (0-0 v Norway, 1-0 v Poland) but victory for Northern Ireland will see Waterworth's side win the tournament.
Full-time: Northern Ireland U17s 0-0 Norway U17s
Line-ups
Northern Ireland starting XI: Finn McDonnell, Callum Leacock, Calum Anderson, Cead McGrath, Ben Wilson, Troy Savage (capt.), Matthew Burns, Joel Kerr, Kalum Thompson, Coist Walker, Sidney Eldred.
Substitutes: Kai Morgan, Darragh McCann, Oisin Gamble, Noah McDonnell, Chris Atherton, Paul McGovern, Ceadach O'Neill, Alex Watson, Glenn McCourt, Jack Faloona, Brandon Downey.
