Connor O’Riordan has been selected to represent Republic of Ireland’s Under-20 squad on Tuesday 22 March in Dublin.

O’Riordan has excelled since staking his claim in David Artell’s first-team setup and now the 18-year-old has been handed his first international cap. 

The academy youngster will be looking to impress Ireland’s Under-21 manager Ian Crawford, who will be working closely with the group ahead of the next Under-21 European Championship qualifiers.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “He’s (Connor) done ever so well. Don’t get me wrong he still has a lot to learn but he’s having a good fist of it. He’s another one that’s trying and doing everything he can. Every now and again it’s too much for him, but he will keep going and these kind of games won’t half stand him in good stead.

The Alex has a number of individuals in and around the squad that have or are representing their country, and the boss has nothing but praise for the club on how they go about seeking opportunity for these individuals.

He said: “Zac (Williams) and Billy (Sass-Davies) went away with Wales u21s. We give young players an opportunity and sometimes that is a bit too much for them, but even if it is we know that in the end they will get to where they need to be. We’ve seen that very recently.”