Northern Ireland v Korea Republic

He said: “It’s important we don’t stand still and I know Michael would never allow that to happen. “But when you see the quality of the new lads like Jamal Lewis plus the exciting introduction of George Saville and Jordan Jones at the end of the World Cup campaign, I think there is a lot to be excited about.” Dallas has never been one to believe international friendlies are a meaningless exercise. He made his international debut in the Carling Nations Cup in 2011 after a terrific year with Crusaders but had to wait another four years before his next cap against Scotland. His first international goal soon followed in another friendly against Qatar and now, with 28 caps and two goals under his belt (the second was the superb last minute winner away to Azerbaijan in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers), he is now firmly established as one of the manager’s main men. He pointed out: “I will forever be grateful for that friendly in Glasgow. I’d been on the fringes of the squad but that was a real chance to impress and thankfully I did enough to catch Michael’s eye. And then my goal against Qatar a few months later was also a really proud moment. “I believe friendlies are essential. This game will give some players a terrific opportunity to show what they can do on a big stage and I’ve no doubt they will grasp it.” Dallas has been described as an inspiration by Northern Irewland Under-21 star Gavin Whyte. Having risen to prominence at Crusaders before getting his chance in full-time football with Brentford and now Leeds, the midfielder’s career can indeed be used as an example to all budding stars. "I see a player like Stuart Dallas as an inspiration," said Whyte. "Everyone talks about Stuart at the Crues and what he has achieved. Some people have said to me that I could follow in his footsteps. He has been brilliant going to Brentford and then he got his big move to Leeds, so that is inspiring. "As a kid I always wanted to play in England or Scotland and in full-time football. I'm happy playing at Crusaders because I'm enjoying it there, but I would like to get the chance to go across the water. We'll see what happens. I'll keep working and try and get that opportunity.” Dallas admits Whyte’s words are flattering but having kept a close eye on the Irish League since moving to England he believes it is largely an untapped talent pool. He said: “It’s always nice to hear comments like Gavin’s and he is a young player I believe can make it in full-time football. “He’s exciting on the ball, he scores goals and he’s added consistency to his game as well. He has everything. “I’d love to see him and a few of the other young lads in the Irish League get their big break because the talent is there. “Sometimes you have to work that little bit harder when you are not from England but nothing worth having comes easily.”

STUART DALLAS

Position Winger Date Of Birth 19.04.1991 Place Of Birth Cookstown

WINGER

Height 183cm Weight 81kg

CLUBS Coagh United Crusaders 63 Northampton Town (loan) 12 Leeds United 100 15 SQUAD NO CLUB RECORD INTERNATIONAL RECORD 14 Debut 27.05.2011 SQUAD NO 67 Brentford

Caps 28 Goals 2

v Wales Lost 2-0

Northern Ireland Junior Northern Ireland U21 Northern Ireland U23

3 2 1

Northern Ireland

28

41

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