Darren Robinson has highlighted the international pathway available within Northern Ireland as the under 21s prepare to host Ukraine following a memorable scoreless draw with Engand.

Robinson featured on Friday night at Ballymena Showgrounds in the 0-0 draw with an England squad that included Premier League players such as Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah.

Portadown-born Robinson reflected on “a proper Northern Ireland performance” in the EURO 2025 qualifier – with a repeat level now the goal tonight when Ukraine visit as group F leaders.

Over 3,000 fans turned out to cheer on Northern Ireland against England as the under 21s took to the field the day after home success in the Nations League by Michael O’Neill’s senior side over Luxembourg.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland under 21s’ Darren Robinson (right) battling against England. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

"We all watched the senior game in the hotel and it's just so good to see so many young boys in there in or around our age,” said Robinson on the official Northern Ireland social media platforms following Friday. "The pathway's there, so if we keep working hard at our clubs and getting results at under 21s we just need to keep kicking on.

"I think I heard over the Tannoy there was over 3,000 here (in Ballymena), so it was very good.

"I had all my family and friends here, which was nice as well...they don't get to see me play often any more.

"It's obviously immense pride playing for Northern Ireland and it makes it that wee bit better when you're at home."

Robinson added on Friday: “We're all buzzing...the Gaffer (manager, Tommy Wright) said before the game anyone outside this meeting room probably doesn't think we could get a result.

"But we all knew that we could from the work we've done from Monday right through to today (Friday)...preparation was brilliant.

"So we all just stuck together, it was a proper Northern Ireland performance.

"We got a point in the end, which was a brilliant point against a very high-profile side."

Wright has drafted in Larne striker Benji Magee for tonight in place of the injured Makenzie Kirk.

“Makenzie injured his groin and will be out for a number of weeks, which is unfortunate as he did well on Friday,” said Wright on the Irish FA website. “The players are refreshed and ready to go against Ukraine.

“They deserve all the plaudits from the England performance.

"But it's important for us to bring them back down to earth and prepare them for another tough game.

“The Ukraine team is packed full of good players, but our lads are positive and feel like they can match them."

NORTHERN IRELAND: Stephen McMullan, Pierce Charles, Fraser Barnsley, Sean Stewart, Shea Kearney, Tommy Fogarty, Michael Forbes, Aaron Donnelly, Jonny Russell, Tom Atcheson, Ethan McGee, Patrick Kelly, Barry Baggley, Terry Devlin, Justin Devenny, Darren Robinson, JJ McKiernan, Charlie Allen, Euan Williams, Matty Lusty, Benjamin Magee, Dale Taylor.