Ali McCann has received his first full Northern Ireland call-up.
The St Johnstone midfielder became a regular with the Northern Irish Under-21s over the last 12 months but has now been included in the senior squad for their must-win European Championships play-off with Bosnia.
The Scots-born star burst onto the Premiership scene with Saints aged just 19 and quickly established himself as a top flight performer.
However, Northern Ireland were able to swoop after he was missed by Scotland’s age group sides.
In June, Saints captain Jason Kerr backed McCann to make the step up to senior international level by next year.
Thanks to Ian Baraclough’s decision to call him up, Kerr’s prediction for a player he calls “the future” of St Johnstone, has come true.
“You can definitely see Ali getting into the Northern Ireland squad by the time of the Euros,” said Kerr.
“Since that Celtic game on day one (of last season), without a doubt he’s been our best player and you can see why there’s been so much attention on him.
“Hopefully we’ll hold on to him for a few more years. He’s the future of the club.”
