SOUTHEND United goalkeepers Callum Taylor and Dan Confrey went from team-mates to temporary rivals at the Victory Shield in Northern Ireland.

Taylor lined up between the sticks for the host nation while Confrey was selected for Wales.

And it was Taylor who enjoyed the occasion more as his clean sheet helped Northern Ireland secure a narrow 1-0 win.

“It was strange playing against my team-mate who I’ve known for a number of years now,” said Taylor, who is based in South Woodham Ferrers.

“Normally he’s on the bench when I’m playing or I’m watching him and supporting him when he’s playing so for him to be up the other end to me was unusual.

“But overall the Victory Shield was really good for me.

“I also played against Scotland who had Celtic’s Karamoko Dembele in their team and we managed to cancel him out.

“All the games were streamed live on Facebook and YouTube and it was very exciting.

“Singing the national anthem before the game makes you feel very professional and it’s always a real honour for me to play for Northern Ireland.”

Confrey’s single appearance came against Taylor and Northern Ireland.

And the Hadleigh based 15-year-old also found it strange facing his Shrimpers team-mate on the international stage.

“It was very odd coming up for the warm-up and seeing Callum waiting down the other end to me,” said Confrey, who qualifies to play for Wales through his grandmother.

“It’s just not what you’re used to doing so it did seem unusual but I was happy to be in the Wales squad again.

“I didn’t get in the last squad so it was great to be called up.

“I really enjoyed it and the game I had went back and forth really.

“They got the goal and won the match but overall it was a great experience for me.

“I enjoyed it and the game is a lot faster then club football so it’s good to be a part of.”

Blues have a fine recent record of producing young goalkeepers with Daniel Bentley having come through the system before making the move to Championship club Brentford where he is now a regular between the sticks.

Ted Smith and Harry Seaden have also been named in England squads while Nathan Bishop has trained with the Three Lions.

But having two goalkeepers in the same game at international level was something new and left Blues’ head of academy Ricky Duncan feeling incredibly proud.

“We were trying to get out there to see it but it was great,” said Duncan.

“It’s something very special for the academy and to have both keepers playing against each other in an international match is fantastic.

“It shows where we are with the goalkeeping situation here and we’re all very proud of what they have achieved because a lot of hard work has gone into it.”