BLUES defender Callum Whittaker has been called into Northern Ireland’s under 18 squad.

Whittaker was originally placed on standby for the Copa del Atlantico tournament in Gran Canaria this week.

But he now been selected and is hoping to impress manager Paul Kee ahead of this summer’s under 19 European Championships.

"We have to play in three games over there," said the centre-back who was due to fly out this morning.

"We are playing Germany, Spain and Gran Canaria and I aim to hopefully be involved in one of those matches."

"It will be great to play for Northern Ireland and hopefully I can do well."

Whittaker qualifies to play through his grandfather who was born in Northern Ireland.