Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough has compared Manchester United youngster Ethan Galbraith to Barcelona icons Andreas Iniesta and Xavi.
Galbraith was called up to his nation's senior squad for the upcoming international fixtures after impressing in their youth setup.
The 19-year-old is highly regarded at Old Trafford and signed a new contract at the club until 2023 following his progress in the development sides.
Galbraith has made just one senior appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side which came in the Europa League against Astana last season.
Baraclough has been impressed with the youngster and believes he plays a similar role for Northern Ireland as Iniesta and Xavi did during their time at Barcelona.
"Ethan, over the last six months, we've seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day-to-day," he said.
"He's excelled with the Under-21s and he's a different type of player to anyone we've got in the senior squad.
"Hopefully it’s the start of a long career for him. Hopefully, he relishes his time from the start in this squad, rather than coming in from the Under-21 squad. He has earned his right with the way he has gone about his play for the last six months.
"Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little Iniesta or Xavi, someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes. Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.
"He’s been brought in a couple of times and made his debut against Luxembourg. For him to be picked outright, it’s a big moment for him, but he’s ready for it.
”He’s gone and signed a new deal with Man United and you can see there’s a real self-confidence about him. It’s great someone like that can be a shining light for the young players, knowing there are chances for them if they perform at their clubs."
MEN Sport understand the midfielder could seek a loan move in the January transfer window or next summer.
Galbraith stayed at the club while fellow youngsters Dylan Levitt and James Garner left temporarily in search of regular first-team football.
