Aaron Donnelly is quietly confident Northern Ireland’s U21s can cause an upset in Ballymena tonight when they take on reigning European U21 champions England.
Northern Ireland go into the U21 Euro qualifier as huge underdogs against a side boasting numerous Premier League players in their ranks.
But the 21-year-old defender believes Tommy Wright’s team can put on a good performance against their illustrious opponents, who are top seeds in Group F in the U21 Euro 2025 qualifiers.
"From the players' perspective the training has been good," said Donnelly, currently on loan at Colchester United from parent club Nottingham Forest.
"I know we're a small nation, but we can pick up some big results, as recent times show. Of course we know what they can do, particularly after we played them last November.
"Our strength is the counter attack. I think we've shown it in the last few games, especially against Serbia, playing out from the back to counter attack. I think that will be the real emphasis in the game.”
Tickets are still on sale for the Euro qualifier at Ballymena Showgrounds - it has a 7.45 kick-off - at irishfa.com/tickets.
Donnelly added: “We're really looking forward to it and I feel the manager will have us set up well, too. We've been doing a lot of work in training regarding our shape off the ball, and how we counter when we go forward.
"We're playing at a tight ground and, with a good atmosphere, it might play into our hands. I really hope the Green and White Army can come out to support us.
“It will be great for us to go out and showcase ourselves with our fans as well. Obviously people will be coming to watch the big guns from England, but I think we can really put on a good performance."
Northern Ireland’s U21s will be back in action at the Showgrounds in Ballymena next week when they face current Group F table toppers Ukraine. That game on Tuesday (10 September) will also kick off at 7.45pm.
