A SCHOOLBOY footballer is aiming or the top - after scoring on his international debut.

Northallerton School and Sixth Form College student Jack Stapley scored a second half goal against Finland after being called up to play for the Northern Ireland under 16 squad.

Central midfielder Jack, 15, who also plays for Middlesbrough Academy, was chosen for the international team after Northern Ireland scouts watched him play against Manchester United.

“The scouts approached my dad and asked if he had any video footage of me playing in other games,” said Jack.

“We sent them a video and the next week they came back and watched me again and then I got the call saying that they wanted me to join the squad.”

Jack, of Northallerton, was eligible to play for the Northern Ireland squad through a link with his grandfather who was born in Belfast.

“It was incredible,” said Jack.

“They flew me over to Belfast for the match and in the changing rooms all our kits were hung up with our names on them ready for the game.

“It’s an experience I’ll never forget and even though we lost 3-2 it was amazing to score in my debut game.”