England Under-21s: James Trafford clean sheet v Northern Ireland

Trafford, from Greysouthen, was in goal for England Under-21s in their European Championships qualifier against Northern Ireland.

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw in Ballymena which left the young Lions second in qualifying group F after eight game.

Defences were on top in Northern Ireland while a long Trafford ball early on almost set up a chance for Jonathan Rowe.

James McAtee went close when he hit the crossbar for England, while Trafford needed treatment after a collision with home midfielder Terry Devlin.

Jamie Gittens and Elliot Anderson also had their chances - as did substitute Liam Delap, son of former Carlisle United star Rory.

But Ben Futcher's England couldn't find a winner and had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Burnley keeper Trafford has long been established as the Under-21s' first-choice keeper.

The former Carlisle United academy player starred in last year's Euros victory, while he was also called into Gareth Southgate's squad before the senior side's Euro 2024 campaign earlier this year.

Trafford, 21, was linked with a move to Newcastle United before the recent transfer deadline but remained at Turf Moor.

A next international chance for the young Cumbrian could come on Monday when the under-21s take on Austria at Luton Town's Kenilworth Road.

Dean Henderson, left, with Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope ahead of Saturday's Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland (Image: PA)

Trafford's fellow Cumbrian goalkeeper Dean Henderson, meanwhile, is with the senior England squad as they prepare for Saturday's clash with the Republic of Ireland.

The Crystal Palace No1, from Whitehaven, joins Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope in the goalkeeping ranks for interim boss Lee Carsley's first game in charge.

The UEFA Nations League game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin kicks off at 5pm. England then host Finland at Wembley next Tuesday, with Henderson hoping to add to his one senior cap.