Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith is determined to add to his international CV and break into Ian Baraclough’s senior squad after playing his last game for the U21s.
Galbraith, who spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, bid farewell to the set-up after Tuesday afternoon’s 1-1 Euro qualifying draw with Lithuania in Alytus.
A last-gasp equaliser by Artemijus Tutyskinas - in the sixth minute of stoppage time - was a painful end to the 21-year-old’s time with John Schofield’s squad.
Read more: David Healy hopes Northern Ireland can dig themselves out of Nations League hole
But Galbraith, who wore the captain’s armband, hopes it’s not the end of his international adventure with more senior caps his new goal moving forward.
The talented playmaker has two senior appearances to his name so far, the last coming in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Romania at Windsor Park in 2020.
“It’s been a pleasure working with all the staff, the backroom staff, physios and Glenda (Dines) who sorts it all out,” said Galbraith.
“It’s been great. Obviously results could have been better but my time with the U21s and playing for your country is unbelievable.
“Hopefully I can have another good season and step up to the seniors if called upon.”
Northern Ireland ended their Euro U21s qualifying campaign on a sour note, Dale Taylor’s early opener cancelled out by Tutyskinas’ 96th minute equaliser.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Galbraith. “At times we controlled the game but could have done it a bit more and it’s something we spoke about afterwards.
“To be 1-0 ahead with a minute to go, it’s not great to concede. Everyone’s devastated and deflated but it’s happened, you have to pick your head up and go again.”
Northern Ireland finished third in their qualifying group, above Lithuania and Malta, but eight points off Slovakia in second and 17 points behind runaway pool winners Spain.
Read more: David Healy hopes Northern Ireland can dig themselves out of Nations League hole
Read more: Glentoran new boy: Mick McDermott and Paul Millar made me feel wanted
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
