SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Callum Taylor has been named in Northern Ireland’s under 16 squad for the Milk Cup.

The 15-year-old, who is based in South Woodham Ferrers, will face County Fermanagh, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United in the group stages.

And Blues’ head of youth Ricky Duncan was delighted to hear of the youngster’s latest call-up.

“It’s fantastic news for Callum and everyone at the club as well,” said Duncan.

“It shows he’s doing well and the pleasing thing is he’s stayed in the squad which shows they must be impressed with him as both a player and a person.

“The training he gets with them is invaluable and for him to be in and around the very top players in his country is fantastic.

“We’re lucky enough to have had a few goalkeepers getting international call-ups and it’s fantastic.

“Brad Confrey - who we have in the same age-group as Callum - is in the Wales squad and they’re both pushing for scholarships this season.

“Harry Seaden remains involved in the England set-up just like Ted Smith did before him so it certainly shows we’re doing something right and all the coaches deserve a lot of credit.”

Taylor will now be hoping to shine between the sticks for Northern Ireland and, depending on results, he could come up against Manchester United or Glasgow Rangers in the next round of the competition.

And his dad David remains proud of his achievements.

“Coming from Northern Ireland it had always been a dream and I’m so proud of him,” he said.