Stanley pair James Gray and Shay McCartan have flown to Italy with Northern Ireland under 21’s for their latest European Championship qualifier.

Northern Ireland play Italy in Reggio Emilia at the home of Reggiana on Thursday.

They currently sit bottom of their qualification group, though Gray scored in their last match against Serbia.

Gray and McCartan are also in the squad for next week’s qualifier with Cyprus in Lurgan.

Everyone at Accrington Stanley wishes them both all the best for their international duty.