Michael Forbes hopes his summer move to Dundee United can help him break into Northern Ireland’s senior team on a consistent basis – admitting it’s a “big goal going forward”.

Forbes has been a regular presence in the U21s across recent years, captaining Tommy Wright’s side during their 2027 European Championship qualifying campaign – Northern Ireland currently sit third, eight points adrift of group leaders Germany and Greece with three matches to play.

The 22-year-old made his senior Northern Ireland debut as a late substitute against Finland in November 2023 and is now hoping a transfer to Scottish top-flight outfit Dundee after leaving West Ham United can set the platform for further international honours.

Michael O’Neill has shown his faith in youth with a host of young stars impressing in recent times – and Forbes is determined to add to his tally count by producing the goods at Tannadice.

placeholder image — Michael Forbes celebrates scoring for Northern Ireland's U21s. (Photo by Presseye/Stephen Hamilton)

"I really wasn’t expecting it (first Northern Ireland cap),” Forbes told the club’s media channel. “It was a long time ago now.

"As good as it was at the time, I want to get back in there and I feel the manager has showed that playing in the SPL, there’s a pathway to get back in there.

"If I perform well for Dundee United, I can fight my way back into the senior team set-up..

"A big goal going forward is getting back into the senior team and trying to not make it a one-off, but make it permanent that I’m up there for a long time.”

Forbes has been entrusted with captaincy roles at both club and international level, skippering West Ham’s U21s alongside his Northern Ireland duties, and the centre-back feels added responsibility has aided his development.

"They build you because from a young age I have had a lot of responsibility in terms of the teams I’ve played for with West Ham and Northern Ireland,” he added. “I was very honoured that I was chosen to be that person, but I think it suits me well that leadership role.

"It’s a big part of my game. I think the manager recognises that as well and enjoyed that...it helps you a lot to mature quicker and transition from a boy to a man, which is really important.

"I feel having that responsibility of captaining teams has really helped that.”