David Healy makes Northern Ireland prediction for Braiden Graham after impressive Linfield showing

David Healy believes Braiden Graham will be playing for Northern Ireland within the next five years.

Healy holds the 16-year-old, who is off to Everton this summer, in very high regard. So much so that the Linfield boss had no qualms about handing the teenager his first start in Monday's title showdown with Larne.

Graham sparkled as the Blues came up just short against the champions in waiting. But Healy believes the teenager has all the attributes to take him to the very top.

Read next: David Healy pinpoints where Linfield's title bid faltered as Larne's 'new dimension' hailed

"I have absolutely no doubt that in four or five years' time when I'm coming here to watch a Northern Ireland game Braiden Graham will be hopefully leading the line. That's how highly I rate him," said Healy.

"The Academy staff at Linfield need to take great credit for his development and the way they have nurtured and developed him. Andy Waterworth and the JD Academy have given Braiden the opportunity to train on a daily basis.

"There's so much development still to come, but I think that's a good thing. He's starting to sprout up a little bit, he's got all the attributes in his game to go and be a really good player.

"We will wish him well in the summer when he goes, and I've no doubt in the next three or four years this boy has all the attributes to be a really good player without putting too much pressure on him."

Graham has shone every time he has pulled on a Linfield shirt and Healy felt he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet against Larne.

"Braiden's been in our environment since making his debut last year and he's been an absolute credit," said the Blues boss. "He was very good [against Larne] but given the type of boy he is he's probably a bit disappointed not to get on the score sheet. I thought his all-round game and his energy on the big pitch was fantastic."

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