Euro 2028: History-maker Chris Atherton 'dreams' of playing for NI at Euro 2028

Chris Atherton says he will "dream" of representing Northern Ireland at Euro 2028 after being his country's youth ambassador at the announcement of the successful UK and Ireland bid in Nyon.

Aged 13, Atherton became the UK's youngest ever senior player a year ago when he played for Glenavon in the League Cup.

He was thus as obvious choice for NI's youth ambassador role at the ceremony.

"It's a moment I'll remember forever," said Atherton of Tuesday's event.

The Glenavon youngster, who turns 15 next week, had just spoken to one of his heroes Gareth Bale, who had been the big name in Wales' delegation.

"I've had a quick chat with him a couple of photos and stuff. Just fantastic one of my idols growing up and to be alongside him is just special," added the Northern Irish youngster.

Chris Atherton on stage with Gareth Bale and Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin at the announcement of the successful UK and Ireland bid for Euro 2028

Asked whether he could imagine playing at Euro 2028 as an 19-year-old, Atherton quickly pointed out that West Ham's Callum Marshall has this year been winning senior Northern Ireland caps as an 18-year-old.

"It's good to have a dream and have a goal I can work towards. You know, everyday it's something I can stride towards," added the 14-year-old.

"Hopefully, like Callum Marshall is in the squad now. Yeah it's possible.

"It would be special because obviously it's the first one [major tournament] in Northern Ireland and to play in it would just be something you dream of as a kid.

"It would be surreal. The likes of [Spain stars] Lamine Yamal and Gavi they'll be in their prime probably whenever it's on. To play against boys like them would just be special."

'My phone starting blowing up'

Asked to recall the publicity garnered by his debut appearance for Glenavon 13 months ago when he was handed his debut by then manager Gary Hamilton, Atherton replied that it was a "crazy" period.

"I didn't really know what to do because it was just like out of nowhere.

"Before the game I thought it would just be normal, because I was in training with them so I didn't realise it would be that big of a deal.

"It was only really when I walked out getting food after the game, my phone started blowing up with everything. It was everywhere. There were already articles and stuff on it, I didn't expect it to be that big.

"At first I enjoyed it and then it got a bit much. I just kind of turned my phone on silent and looked by it and tried to just focus on my football."

Chris Atherton during his debut for Glenavon as a 13-year-old last year when he became the youngest player to play senior football in the UK

The impact of his debut at such a young age even provoked the Irish FA to change it own rules at last June's association annual general meeting with players now having to be aged 16 by the end of that particular season before they can play senior football.

The Irish FA's rule change means he can't train with Glenavon this season or even player for the reserves and is having to confine his club action to the Lurgan Blues' under-18 side.

But Atherton has got on with his football and continuing development has led to interest from Premier League clubs in addition to earning a place in his country's Under-17 and Victory Shield squads.

"I'm with the [Glenavon] under-18's at the minute and I'm enjoying it yeah. It's exciting times ahead."