Northern Ireland duties for Vale defender in October

Vale defender Ryan McGivern today learned he has been called up for Northern Ireland and will join their squad ahead of their European Championship qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Greece in October.

October.^thUnfortunately, McGivern’s call-up will mean the defender will miss Vale’s home game against Yeovil Town on 11

The former Hibs defender has won caps for Northern Ireland at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels before he won his first senior cap in August 2008.

He last played for his country back in March when Northern Ireland were held to a goaless draw away to Cyprus.

Vale interim manager Rob Page said: “I am pleased for the lad, he deserves this opportunity, it is a big honour to play international football, but on the flip side of it we will lose him for a couple of games.

“I thought he was outstanding on Saturday. He has shown what he is capable of during the season and certainly in pre-season and it all came to a head on Saturday, he was outstanding.

“We are obviously disappointed that we are going to lose him for a couple of games, but it will say Ryan McGiverm, Port Vale.

“It is great for the club as well, it is great that he has got the recognition that he deserves and that will reflect on this football club, which is fantastic.”