Dungannon Swifts star Ethan McGee determined to hit ground running after NI Under-21 call-up

Dungannon Swifts defender Ethan McGee jostles with Glentoran winger and former NI hero Niall McGinn

Dungannon Swifts defender Ethan McGee says he’s bursting with pride after being selected for the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad.

Tommy Wright’s men take on England in a Euro 2025 qualifier at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.

The right-back’s addition to the panel to face the European champions is a fitting reward for McGee’s impressive form for the Swifts.

Rodney McAree’s side sit bottom of the Premiership standings ahead of their home clash with Newry City on Saturday but the versatile 21-year-old has won many admirers.

In fact, he’s one of the Irish League’s most wanted men, with cross-channel clubs tracking his progress including Leeds United, West Brom, Bristol City and Derby County.

This is McGee’s first international call-up, and before leaving to meet up with the squad, he couldn’t disguise his joy at this opportunity.

“I’m buzzing to be called up and really looking forward to it,” he beamed.

“It’s my first international call-up and I’m over the moon. Playing England is a massive opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work with the boys, and I’d like to thank Tommy Wright for putting his faith in me to go over and represent Northern Ireland.

“I got a phone call from Tommy telling me I had been selected and I couldn’t believe it, I was buzzing with the news and want to hit the ground running.

“It was a surprise, especially as it’s my first call-up, and I’m very grateful Tommy has put his trust in me to represent the country.”

McGee has played 15 of Dungannon’s 16 Premiership games this season and got on the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with Coleraine in August.

“My game is going well but I want to keep improving,” he