Ryan earns World Cup qualifiers selection

AFTER impressing during two training sessions and two friendly matches, Ryan McMemeny has earned a place in Jonathan Michael’s Northern Ireland squad for the forthcoming Futsal World Cup qualifiers in Lithuania.

The Moneymore man, who plays soccer for Coagh United and Futsal for Omagh Futsal Club, finished the Northern Ireland Premier League season as the top scorer with 25 goals to his name in just 11 games and after proving he can match it with the regular internationals, he has been rewarded with a place in the 14-player squad that will take on Lithuania, Turkey and Israel this coming week.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet!,” beamed the 19-year-old. “It definitely wasn’t expected. I just can’t believe it to be honest!

“I was pleased with how I played in the two games, and considering those were my first two at that level, I thought I had done all right.

“My form for Omagh probably helped too, but just even to be part of the squad, I’m looking forward to that.”

McMenemy and his Northern Ireland team-mates won’t be travelling to Lithuania this weekend ‘to make up the numbers’, they are going with the intention of earning a place at the top table of international Futsal.

And while the squad’s newest inductee lacks experience of international futsal, and the sport in general, having only taken it up last June, he’s hoping to play his part in that goal.

“I’ve no idea what standard the teams we’ll be playing are, but I’d say they’re good,” he added.

“It won’t be easy but we’re not just going there to make up the numbers, we’re going there to win, which is my way of thinking.”

Ryan’s Omagh Futsal Club team-mate, Fivemiletown United captain David Fulton was also involved in the trial matches and while he wasn’t selected in the final 14-man squad, he will be involved in the Northern Ireland squad training sessions following the World Cup qualifiers.