While a number of City's senior squad are currently away on international duty, rising star Francis McCaffrey has just returned from a period away with the Northern Ireland U18 squad.

McCaffrey, who is set to be a key member of the Tigers' youth team squad this season, was selected by his home nation to play in the recent Syrenka Tournament in Poland.

It was the first time the right-sided midfielder had represented his country in competitive international football and he was honoured to pull on the green shirt in matches against Belarus (L 4-3), Bulgaria (W 3-1) and Ukraine (D 2-2, lost on penalties).

"It was a great experience and it gave me the chance to play with a lot of players who I played alongside back home," said McCaffrey.

"Previously, I'd only played at Under 15 level with a development squad so I guess you could say last week was the first time I'd played at this level.

"It was good to make that next step and playing for Northern Ireland was a very proud moment for me. It's something I have always wanted to do and I want to do it more now."

Now back at City's Centre of Excellence, McCaffrey is keen to knuckle down and concentrate on the season ahead.

The Tigers have made an encouraging start in their bid to retain the Youth Alliance North East Conference title with two wins from their opening three games and McCaffrey is hoping to continue to impress for a club that he loves being a part of.

"It could have been better, but two out of three is decent," added the former Linfield winger.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to play for a club like this. The facilities are good and the players are good quality. It's great to be here."

See a full interview with Francis McCaffrey on TIGERS Player now.

McCaffrey isn't the only player from City's Centre of Excellence to be picked to represent Northern Ireland. Dougie Wilson, Paul McElroy and Patrick McNally have all been included in the U17 squad to face Slovakia in two friendly matches next week.

[Pictured: Fran McCaffrey]