Manchester United loanee Ethan Galbraith has been called up into the Northern Ireland senior squad.
Galbraith has been in the Northern Ireland squad before, making his international debut as a late substitute in 2019.
He has just made one appearance since, as a substitute in November 2020.
After being an unused substitute in the May and June friendlies, Galbraith was not called up in September and October and was in Northern Ireland’s under-21 squads instead.
Now he is part of the squads for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lithuania and then Italy.
Reward for good form
With these games being qualifiers rather than friendlies, this is not just a case of Northern Ireland wanting to experiment.
It is reward for Galbraith for his strong form on loan at Doncaster Rovers, a call up which has occurred because manager Ian Baraclough believes he can be of value.
Galbraith has been playing well for League One strugglers Doncaster.
He has one goal and one assist in his last four matches for the 23rd based side.
In the recent game with Crewe, Galbraith had more shots at goal than any other player, created the highest number of chances, and also led the team in interceptions.
He is benefitting from regular playing time and his call-up is a bonus. United will be pleased with the 20-year-old midfielder’s steady progress, especially considering how both Dylan Levitt and Matej Kovar’s loans in League One last season were cut short midway through the season.
Galbraith is a key player for Doncaster and there is little chance of them wanting to send him back.
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