I was nervous over making my Windsor Park bow, admits Callum Marshall
Young striker Callum Marshall was pleased to get the nod from NI boss Michael O’Neill against San Marino
Callum Marshall admitted to nerves ahead of making his home debut for Northern Ireland – but is delighted to know he has the full support of boss Michael O’Neill.
The teenage West Ham United striker hit the headlines in June when he had an equaliser chalked off by VAR during his senior international introduction away to Denmark, as Northern Ireland’s Euro qualifying campaign started to evaporate.
Nevertheless, despite the jitters in Copenhagen, and on Saturday when he replaced Man of the Match Paul Smyth in the 63rd minute against Group H minnows San Marino to help secure a 3-0 victory, the 18-year-old is ready to face Slovenia.
The visitors are top of the group – and Northern Ireland are seeking revenge for a 4-2 loss last month. Marshall is now ready to express himself in the quest for goals.
“The last time, when we played Kazakhstan, I hoped to get on then because of the nature of the game,” he said. “But, with the nature of this opposition (San Marino) and when we went ahead, I was just hoping that I would get my chance.
“I was nervous, but obviously, I would have been a bit more nervous and s******g myself if it was against Spain or someone else I was coming on against. But I was okay.
“I would say I was more nervous coming on against Denmark because of the hostile atmosphere and stuff. It was more about expressing myself a bit more against San Marino and getting on the ball.”
Marshall knows, too, that irrespective of tomorrow night’s outcome, Northern Ireland chief O’Neill appreciates his attributes.
“He hasn’t said too much to me, he has really just said that he knows what qualities I have and that I’m a good
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