'It's everything you dreamed of' - NI midfielder Kelly
Patrick Kelly made his first senior appearance for Northern Ireland in November
- Published
Northern Ireland midfielder Patrick Kelly says he is looking forward to the World Cup play-off against Italy on Thursday with "nerves and excitement".
The 21-year-old started his career with Coleraine before moving to the Premier League with West Ham in 2022.
Kelly, who now plays for League One side Barnsley, made his senior international debut in November as a late substitute in the World Cup qualifier victory over Luxembourg.
A win in Bergamo would see Northern Ireland travel to Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for the play-off final on four days later.
"Obviously it's everything you dreamed of as a kid - I probably didn't think 12, 18 months ago I'd be in this position so I'm really grateful to be here," said Kelly.
"I've the chance to get to the World Cup, which would be everything to everyone involved and all the fans. So yeah, it's a big opportunity.
"Younger players are normally more fearless and they're just excited to be there and stuff. So I think that could help us now that we've got a young squad. It could be a positive there.
"I think it's only the start for a lot of the lads around my age. We've got a good age group coming through. Most of us played with each other from under 11s, under 12s when the club then I set up started really young.
"So we all know each other really well and I think we've got a good chance in the next 10, 15 years to try and get to as many tournaments as possible."