Disappointed Chris McKee says he accepts the "bigger picture" after the European Under-19 Championship finals were postponed.
The tournament was due to be held in Northern Ireland next March but UEFA was forced to shelve the competition because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and "resulting travelling difficulties".
The Under 19 Euros were originally scheduled to kick-off in July at venues in Belfast, Ballymena, Lurgan and Portadown, but were then put back to November.
A revised date of March 2021 was then set before UEFA cancelled the tournament this week.
"It is disappointing. It would have been brilliant for Northern Ireland to host the Euros," McKee, 18, said.
"Playing for your country at Windsor Park is a dream come true. One day I want to play for the first team at Windsor, but this would have been an unbelievable experience.
"These finals would have been special, but at the end of the day there's a worldwide pandemic happening and there are more important things going on.
"People's lives are the most important thing. So while I am devastated that I won't play in the finals in Northern Ireland, there's a far bigger picture out there."
The Under 19 Euros would have brought some of the world's best young footballing talent to these shores.
McKee fears it may be a number of years before Northern Ireland is afforded another opportunity to hosy such a prestigious event.
"We might not get the chance for a long time. These opportunities don't come along too often," he added.
"There are a lot of countries whose turn it will be to host the finals, so you have to wait your turn.
"I just hope Northern Ireland gets its chance, and if not then we have to accept it and move on."
McKee says Northern Ireland's young players had been relishing the opportunity to play in the finals - and in front of a home crowd.
But the onset of Covid-19 had the tournament on the ropes long before its scheduled July start date.
"These finals had been on our radar for a long time. It has been postponed a few times, but it is on your mind," the Rangers striker added.
"You work had for your club, in the hope that you get a chance with Northern Ireland.
"Playing in the European finals on your home turf is massive, and it is frustrating that that opportunity is gone.
"We just have to see what happens next year."
McKee added: "My family are disappointed. They would have loved to watch me play at home in the Euros.
"They don't get to see me that often at the minute due to coronavirus. All of our games are behind closed doors at the minute."
