Gareth off to Moldova with NI for UEFA contest

Gareth, 19. a right back with Lisburn Rangers, said that playing for his country is something he has “dreamed of.”

The former Laurelhill Community College pupil, who won the NI Schools’ Cup in 2010 and was a runner up in 2011, will face hosts Moldova, Ukraine and Spain in Northern Ireland’s group at the tournament.

“Playing football is my boyhood dream,” said Gareth. “Being able to represent my country is something I have dreamed of. To get the opportunity to go and play in a different country is a great achievement.

“Big thanks to my manager Paul Kirk for putting my name forward for this. I got the call two weeks ago and I owe Paul a lot of thanks for his help and support.

“My dad as well, he has been there every week, even when I come off the pitch moaning he’s been there for me, he’s my biggest fan.”

Gareth’s love of football was certainly added to by the Ulster Star when he won the Star’s ‘Penalty Kick’ competition in 2005.

The Chelsea fan got the opportunity to meet his footballing heroes when he travelled with the Star to Everton for the Toffees match against Chelsea.

“Watching my club Chelsea, that was amazing,” Gareth said of the experience. “Especially meeting Jose Mourinho and the likes of Frank Lampard was incredible.

“Looking back on it, it was an unforgettable experience. Being able to see the pro’s training and what they do every day, that’s what I want to do.”

The delighted footballer travelled to Moldova on Sunday September 21 and will return this Sunday.

“A few of the boys have been there a few years and they say you are treated like a king and the facilities are state-of-the-art. Talking to them builds the excitement,” Gareth added.

Gareth is kept busy between his football and a full time job.

He explained: “I work full time at William Coates Electrical. They’ve been brilliant, giving me the week off at short notice to allow me to go to Moldova.

“It is busy at the moment, I am flat out,” he added. “I get home from work and straight out to football. I train with Lisburn Rangers three times a week and then train with Northern Ireland on a Sunday.

“Before he named the squad, the coach Harry McConkey, would have had warm up games with the Republic of Ireland, Irish League clubs, but after the squad was named we have been training every week, working on his philosophy and ideals and gelling together.”

Looking ahead to the tournament, Gareth is excited to get the football underway, especially meeting Spain in their group.

“When we heard Spain were in our group we knew it was going to be a hard group, but you want to take on the hard nations.

“We play Spain in the last game and hopefully we can go into that match with six points from our previous two matches. If we could beat Spain it would be unbelievable. To finish top of the group would be a dream come true.”