Goalkeeper Jamie living his European deam

The 19-year-old joined Portadown from Tandragee Rovers a little over a week ago.

And as if the idea of playing for one of the country’s top teams wasn’t enough for the goalkeeper he was drafted into Ronnie McFall’s squad for their trip to Croatia to play Slaven Bleupo.

McFall was forced into giving Jamie his debut as regular custodian, David Miskelly, was unable to make the trip.

Unfortunately for Jamie the Ports were on the wrong end of a 6-0 defeat but, according to reports from Croatia, he was not at fault for any of the goals and was as solid as could be expected for someone who had no experience of playing at this level.

It has been a totally new experience for the local lad who got to experience the life of a professional footballer, plus he had the opportunity to come up against several Croatian internationals.

Also on the trip was Andrew Burns, also from Banbridge.