‘Excited’ - International manager makes big claim about Everton teenager

Manager Michael O’Neill told of his excitement about Everton youngster Isaac Price after he earned a maiden senior call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.

Price, 19, will link up with the Green and White Army for Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino (23 March) and Finland (26 March) later this month.

The midfielder has recorded four goals and two assists in 21 appearances for the Toffees’ under-21s this season. He’s also made two Everton first-team substitute outings in the Premier League during his fledgling career.

Price has represented Northern Ireland at age-group level but will now step up to help their bid to qualify for a first major tournament since 2016.

O’Neill said: “Isaac Price is a young player we should be excited about. I watched him play for Everton under-21s against PSV during the week and I was very impressed.

“He is a player I knew as he was in our system from 14. We have worked hard on the likes of Isaac and Shea Charles from a young age. They weren’t born here but they’ve been in our system for years.”