Crystal Palace youngster earns first senior international call-up
Crystal Palace have a new senior international on their books after one of their rising stars was called into the Northern Ireland squad.
Summer signing Kofi Balmer could earn his first cap next week with Northern Ireland preparing for a Nations League double-header against Kosovo at the National Stadium in Belfast, followed by a trip to Athens to take on Greece in their final Group C2 match.
Balmer joined Palace from Northern Ireland Football League Premiership side Larne and has already represented his country at various levels.
The 21 year old has featured in every match for Palace’s under 21 side this season and Northern Ireland manager Ian Barraclough says the call-up is well-deserved.
“He missed out in the summer but he has got himself a great move to Crystal Palace, he has settled there now and is enjoying his surroundings,” Baraclough said.
“It is testament to how hard he has worked to get noticed by a big club in England, and he is hoping to take his chance this year.”
Northern Ireland are yet to win in the Nations League and this campaign has seen them draw two and suffer two defeats.