Brendan Hamilton tips Linfield starlet to thrive after Premier League switch

The production line of talent from the Irish League won't be drying up any time soon according to Brendan Hamilton. The Northern Ireland Under-19 defender came through the ranks at Glentoran before making the switch to Aberdeen two years ago.

The 18-year-old is one of a number of underage internationals plying their trade across the water. Linfield's Braiden Graham, who is currently preparing for next month's Under-19 European Championships with Hamilton, is set to join them when he completes his switch to Everton this summer.

Former St Malachy's College pupil Hamilton is tipping Graham for big things after making a real impact with the Blues last season. "Braidy is going to Everton and it's class for him," said Hamilton ahead of Northern Ireland's final U19 Euros warm up game against Slovakia at Inver Park on Monday night.

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"He's a class footballer and I'm sure you'll see him up around that U21 and senior level soon - he will get his chance. Braiden was with the first team at Linfield and George Feeney was playing for Glentoran, and he looks set to get his move across the water too. "You'll see it happening more and more often. If you're good enough, you're old enough and if he (David Healy) sees a player is pulling their weight in training he's not afraid to throw them in.

"There's a very good pathway over to England and Scotland. There are a few lads at Rangers and Celtic and there are too many in England to name.

"There's no right or wrong way to make the move. Players like Sean Moore were at Cliftonville last season and now he's flying at West Ham. Patrick Kelly and Callum Marshall went later and now look at them up around the first team squad with Northern Ireland."

There are a few members of Gareth McAuley who have made the breakthrough at senior club level. Fullback Hamilton, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Highland League club Banks o’ Dee is hoping he can kick on when he returns to Pittodrie after this summer's international tournament in Northern Ireland.

"There are a few guys here that have played first team football, like Sam Glenfield at Fleetwood, and you can see the fine details he has to his game like using his body," said Hamilton. "That's the sort of stuff you can't learn in academy football - you have to play against men to understand it. I'll hopefully get my chance soon."

"It's a different level and step up in terms of physicality and speed of the game (in first team football) - it would take a while to get used to. That's why I know how good these guys that have broken into first teams are. People probably don't realise watching, but as a player you know what that step up takes and can see how good these players are."

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