Northern Ireland Under 19 and 17 boss Gerard Lyttle says he is "excited" to see the future development of teenage goalkeeper Dylan Graham.
The 16-year-old shot-stopper has signed a three-year deal with English Premier League club Everton after impressing during a one-week trial.
Graham, from Glengormley, came onto the radar of the Merseyside giants after earning first-team action with Ballymena United last season.
He was given the nod by David Jeffrey following injuries to senior keepers Jordan Williamson and Ross Glendinning, making his debut against former club Glentoran in a 2-2 draw.
"Dylan's development over the past couple of years, both physically and as a goalkeeper, has been brilliant to see. And there is much more to come," Lyttle told Belfast Live.
"To earn a three-year deal with a club like Everton speaks volumes about the kid's talent, and also about his potential.
"He is at a brilliant club and they will bring him on even more, and I am excited to see Dylan's progress in the weeks and months to come."
Lyttle added: "I recently brought Dylan into an Under 17 training camp and he did really well. It was good experience for him.
"He has also come through the ClubNI ranks and made his senior Irish League debut last season which was brilliant for him. He will have learnt so much from those games for Ballymena."
Speaking at the time of his Irish Premiership debut, Ballymena boss Jeffrey said: “It was a fantastic game for young Dylan who was making his debut and in goal for the first time at only 16 years of age.
“It was also quite ironic when you consider the whole circumstances of the fact it was against Glentoran.
“He coped very well. it was a fantastic evening for him and I know Dylan’s dad Paul will be very proud as the whole Graham family will be."
