Whilst Northern Ireland have not seen much football success in recent years, Gerry Armstrong is hoping that a new generation of talent will emerge at the SuperCup NI. Armstrong is widely renowned for his goal against Spain in the 1982 World Cup finals, where he was the top scorer from the UK.
Gerry Armstrong’s goal vs. Spain is still remembered
Armstrong had an illustrious football career and he now works as a football commentator. He also had a stint in management and has been the Northern Ireland assistant manager. The Northern Ireland team currently sit 29th in the FIFA rankings and failed to qualify for the current World Cup. Seeing the likes of Japan who are ranked 61st in the world, progress into the last 16 has been a surprise and it goes to show anything can happen if you qualify for the big tournaments.
The Supercup NI tournament has featured world stars
The Irish FA will be hoping that their efforts to bring talented footballers through the ranks will come to fruition soon. The Supercup NI is one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the world and success stories include ROI’s Steve Staunton catching the eye before going on to greater things. In 1988, another Liverpool legend in the making Steve McManaman showed his trademark skills, picking up a hat-trick along the way.
Manchester United amongst teams participating
This year Armstrong has been invited to open the international youth tournament and he cannot wait for the action to get started on 21st July. Teams from Celtic, Club America, Manchester United, Spartak Moscow and Rangers are amongst those who will be lining up against some of the local teams. Stars of the future will be playing, so football fans in Northern Ireland can get to see the action. After both Messi and Ronaldo got knocked out of the World Cup this week, the world needs some new football heroes and if any tournament is going to uncover those stars, the Supercup NI will.
Could this tournament unveil the new Gerry Armstrong or the new Norman Whiteside? Or maybe even the new George Best! The Irish FA and all the nation’s fans will certainly be hoping so.
