(Manchester United News)
Manchester United defender Paddy McNair admits he must marvel at his progress over the last year as he looks forward to potentially making his Northern Ireland senior debut this week.
The defender has forced his way into Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's plans and signed a new contract with the club after enjoying a meteoric rise at Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old scored the eventual winner in the 2-1 triumph for the Under-21s against Everton earlier this month and it came at Southport's Merseyrail Community Stadium - the same setting for a friendly that finished goalless last July.
"I played there in pre-season for the Reserves against Southport and I didn't think I'd come back with 15 appearances for United under my belt," he explained to MUTV. "So I'm very happy.
"It's been great and I love playing under the manager [van Gaal] and all the staff. He has helped me a lot. I just think I need to improve on everything because the standard is so high to maintain a place at Manchester United. It's very hard and I've got to keep working."
McNair could be line for an appearance against Scotland in an international friendly on Wednesday after being included in the squad alongside Reds colleague Jonny Evans.
"It's a dream come true," he stated. "When you're a young kid, you always dream of playing for your country. I'm glad I can hopefully do that. It's the home nations and there will be a good atmosphere at Hampden Park so I'm looking forward to it."
