ETHAN GALBRAITH is Manchester United’s ‘little Andres Iniesta or Xavi’, according to Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough.
The United youngster, 19, made his Red Devils debut in the Europa League defeat to Astana last year.
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Man Utd whiz Galbraith is a ‘little Iniesta or Xavi, according to Northern Ireland boss BaracloughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Baraclough hopes Galbraith can become the next Xavi or IniestaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Despite not having played for the first-team since, Baraclough has been more than impressive by Galbraith after calling him up to Northern Ireland’s senior set-up.
Baraclough named Galbraith – who recently signed a new contract at United – in his squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia.
And the boss has been thrilled by his progress having worked his way into his nation’s first-team reckoning via the Under-21s.
Baraclough told the Man Utd website: “Ethan, over the last six months, we’ve seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day.
“He’s excelled with the Under-21s and he’s a different type of player to anyone we’ve got in the senior squad.
“Hopefully it’s the start of a long career for him.
“Hopefully, he relishes his time from the start in this squad, rather than coming in from the Under-21 squad.
“He has earned his right with the way he has gone about his play for the last six months.”
Galbraith has been named in the senior Northern Ireland squad for the Euro 2020 play-off with SlovakiaCredit: Pacemaker Press
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Baraclough continued by saying he could become United’s – and Northern Ireland’s – ‘little Iniesta or Xavi’.
The boss added: “Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi.
“[He’s] someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes.
“Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.
“He’s been brought in a couple of times and made his debut against Luxembourg.
“For him to be picked outright, it’s a big moment for him, but he’s ready for it.
”He’s gone and signed a new deal with Man Utd and you can see there’s a real self-confidence about him.
“It’s great someone like that can be a shining light for the young players, knowing there are chances for them if they perform at their clubs.“
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
