Former Down minor footballer Shea McCartan is hoping to force his way into Northern Ireland soccer manager Michael O'Neill's plans when he lines out for the North's U21s in their Euro 2017 qualifier against Iceland tonight.

A second cousin of 'Wee James', Shea starred in attack for St. Colman's, Newry in their Hogan Cup triumphs of 2010 and 2011. However, the Glenn clubman then decided to pursue a professional soccer career which has taken him to League Two outfit Accrington Stanley via Glenavon and Burnley.

"Obviously the World Cup is coming up in 2018, Northern Ireland will be pushing for that and you never know, you could be in the squad," McCartan told the Irish News.

"Michael comes to most of the U21 games, he always says the next batch of players is from that age group. The pool of players isn't that big. So getting into the senior squad, that's the main goal."

McCartan plans to return to his GAA roots when he's finished with soccer.

"I'd like to come back eventually maybe, when I settle back home. But that won't be for another 10 years hopefully."

He added: "I do miss the Gaelic. As a young kid, I didn't dream of playing for anybody else other than Down, so it's weird the way it's gone."

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