Denmark disappointment has only fuelled Callum Marshall's desire to make Northern Ireland impact
It may have been over a year ago but Callum Marshall's goal that never was still looms large in his mind.
The teenager thought he rescued a point for Northern Ireland after coming on for his senior international debut in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Denmark. But after what seemed a lifetime it was ruled out for offside after going to VAR to deny Marshall a fairytale beginning to his career in the green and white shirt.
It hasn't dampened the 19-year-old's desire to succeed for his country and finally get that first goal. “It feels like a life-time ago, but at the same time I see videos of it every week," said Marshall.
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"I get it sent to me, I get random accounts messaging me saying that they were there and that they felt bad, but it is what it is. I’m still waiting for that goal for Northern Ireland. I didn't really get much of a chance against Luxembourg other than that early one, but hopefully in the next few games I can get the goal."
Marshall is highly thought of in the game after excelling for West Ham as part of their FA Youth Cup winning squad. He is now hoping to make his mark on loan at Huddersfield Town after a frustrating spell at West Brom last season.
"It just didn't work out," said. “Obviously they were doing really well so it was hard and there are different types of managers. There are ones who will speak to you and the one I had at West Brom was more tactical than a man-manager. It just didn't really work out but you learn from every experience and I’m not going to dwell on it.
“I know what type of manager I like playing under now. The manager at Huddersfield [Michael Duff] used to play for Northern Ireland and he likes players who work hard, have quality and can receive the ball in high intensity. I think that ticks most of my boxes, and we’re playing two up front, and we’re doing reasonably well so far this season."
Marshall has been backed by Michael O'Neill at international level and was handed a start in the 2-0 win over Luxembourg on Thursday. As one of the current crop of talented youngsters in the squad he is excited with what the future holds.
"There are a lot of us who have experience of playing in the same team as each other, even going through the IFA Academy and stuff," he explained. “You know each other from being around each other. There's so much legs and energy in the team which is great.
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“Then obviously, the older lads help with the control and structure, but I think we have a great mix. Jonny [Evans] retiring is of course going to be a huge miss as he was the most experienced in the team but that’s the way football is, nothing lasts forever.”
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