United youngster Ben McKenna has been called up to the Northern Ireland U18 squad for a friendly tournament in Poland later this month.

McKenna, 17, is in the second year of his YTS contract after joining the club last summer following his release from the Burnley Centre of Excellence programme.

He has previously been called up to the U17 squad and has been involved with the United first team in pre-season, providing the cross for Andy Cook's late equaliser at Falkirk.

Speaking after receiving the news of his call-up, McKenna said: "I'm really pleased to get another chance to play for Northern Ireland.

"I got a letter a couple of weeks ago telling me I was on stand-by for the squad. Then yesterday I got a phone call just before training telling me I had received the full call-up.

"I did actually play with the U17 side last season but that was only for ten minutes in one game. Hopefully I did enough to impress them and I'll get a bit more time on the pitch this time round. It should be a great experience for me and it is a chance to represent the club as well."

Head of Youth Development Eric Kinder said: "Everyone at the club is delighted that Ben has received recognition again with this international call-up.

"He's made the step up from U17 to U18 level and that's down to the hard work he's put in over the last year or so.

"I have to admit I'd have liked him to come with us for the youth game at Rochdale but it's a great opportunity for him to play in a tournament in Poland. They have one game against Belarus and two other opponents that we don't know as of yet.

"It's a fantastic credit to both Ben and the club. Along with the call-ups for Tom Aldred and Jamie Cleary in recent seasons, it's another sign that we are doing things right with the youth setup.

"We wish him all the best for the tournament and we look forward to hearing how he does and to seeing how he develops."