McEneff relishingRiverside return

Following Monday night’s memorable 3-2 win for County Armagh over the mighty Liverpool in the Premier Section, this evening its the Elite section taking centre stage at Institute, with Northern Ireland taking on USA (KO 8pm).

For one local teenager Aaron McEneff he admits he can’t wait to play back at his old club and is especially looking forward to the game after Northern Ireland’s tremendous 2-1 win over Denmark in the opening game on Monday.

“I have to admit I’m buzzing and can’t wait to be playing back at ’Stute,” he stated.

“It will be great playing in front of a big home support and especially for me I can’t wait to be playing in front of my whole family and friends.

“I heard the ground was packed for the County Armagh versus Liverpool match, so hopefully it will be the same tonight.”

McEneff, who only linked up with Stephen Robinson’s Elite squad on Sunday as he was away in Portugal with his club side Tottenham Hotspur, was thrilled after their victory over the Danes.

“It’s a massive result for us and sets us up nicely for tonight,” he added.

“We know if we can get another three points tonight then we go into Friday’s game against Mexico in a very strong position, as Mexico drew with USA in their opening game.

“Having only linked up with the squad late I only got about 15 minutes but it was nice to get some minutes.”

Despite some tough training sessions in Portugal with Spurs, it’s no rest for the 18-year-old who returns to London on Monday morning, as he prepares for the start of the season.

“Pre-season has been going good and we did a lot of intensive training work in Portugal and the Reserve (Under 21) team played two matches, which I got 90 minutes under my belt, which is good.

“I was playing with good players like Harry Kane, who was out on loan at both Norwich City and Leicester City last year, Ruben Lameiras and I didn’t feel out of place, in fact I felt strong and enjoyed the games.

“Over the mid-season break I have been doing some work and making sure I came back in good shape and so far that has helped me.”

Spurs Under 21 side start their Barclays U21 Premier League campaign with two tricky London derbies in their opening three games, but the former Maiden City Academy starlet can’t wait for the season to begin and he would also love to have Milk Cup winners medal tucked up away before the campaign starts.

“Winning the Milk Cup would be great, it’s such a high profile tournament, but I’m not starting to get ahead of myself, we have tough game against USA tonight and then Mexico on Friday.

“After those games I stay at home over the weekend before going back to London and continue pre-season training on Monday.

“We start against Chelsea in early August, before playing Manchester City and then West Ham United, so yeah it’s three tough matches for us, but I’m really looking forward too them.”

Meanwhile McEneff’s old club Institute continue their preparations for the forthcoming season when they travel to Irish League Premiership champions Cliftonville, on Saturday, before hosting Intermediate side Newbuildings United on Monday evening (KO 7.30pm).

In their first home pre-season friendly recently, ’Stute defeated Coleraine, with the only goal of the match coming from Stephen Parkhouse.