Solskjaer praises youth

Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer today hailed Northern Ireland teenager Joe Dudgeon.

The 18-year-old United defender is in line to make his debut for the Northern Ireland Under-21 side this evening in a UEFA qualifier against Iceland, and according to his coach at Old Trafford has a bright future ahead.

Reserve team boss Solskjaer said: “Joe has been fantastic to work with. We know the character of the boy and he's stepped up really well since coming into the team.”

Dudgeon is the latest in a long line of gifted Northern Ireland youngsters who have shone at the Theatre of Dreams.

Jonny Evans, out of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic, has come through the ranks to be a key first team player.

Jonny’s brother Corry is another Ulsterman expected to make the grade at United, though before that he could move to Rangers on loan to gain some experience.