Young defender Lewis MacKinnon says he "tormented" Gareth McAuley during a recent Northern Ireland training camp - but in a good way.
MacKinnon was part of Gerard Lyttle's Under 19 squad which recently met up in Belfast.
During the five-day camp the youngsters got to work alongside former international star McAuley, who is part of Lyttle's backroom team.
Rangers teenager MacKinnon used the time to dip into the knowledge and experience of 80-times capped McAuley, even if it meant "bombarding" the former West Brom defender with "about 100 questions".
MacKinnon said: "Having the likes of Gareth McAuley at our training camp recently was brilliant.
"He probably doesn't like me after that week because all I did was ask him about 100 questions. Just wee things where I can improve, and what he would do in certain situations, and how I could have improved on a session.
"He is a legend, and scored at the Euro finals. Having people like Gareth teach you wee things, and the dark arts of the game, is something I really enjoy.
"I just bombarded him with questions. Anything that came into my head. He was a centre back like me, so he has a wealth of knowledge.
"Over those five days I took in everything Gareth said and I will try and implement that to my game. I am sure he appreciates young players taking an interest.
"I want to learn as much as I can, and when you have an opportunity to quiz someone like Gareth McAuley, you take it."
MacKinnon - who has featured at underage level with Northern Ireland - says the "ultimate goal" is to one day play for Ian Baraclough's senior team.
And he says he has taken encouragement after watching young players such as Daniel Ballard and Ethan Galbraith make the leap.
"My long-term goal is to play for the senior team. It won't be easy, but that's the ultimate goal," he added.
"The future of Northern Ireland football is bright. There have been a lot of changes in the Under 19 squad, because a lot of the lads have got into the Under 21s. Things can change so quickly, and you have to keep believing and working hard, and then seize the opportunity when you get it.
"That's what I hope for. I want to show people what I can do."
MacKinnon added: "I just have to keep doing what I am doing. Focus on my club and get a run of games, start performing and doing well. And then make sure I am in that next squad for Northern Ireland. I believe in myself and know I can give a good account of myself.
"Next thing you know you're in the Under 21s, and then you might get to train with the senior squad. Seeing other players get those opportunities motivates you.
"We have seen a number of young players make the step up."
