McLaughlin critical of Wales for Maxwell snub

The Northern Ireland right back will head off after tomorrow’s game to train with Michael O’Neill’s side ahead of a friendly against Scotland an a Euro 2016 qualifier against Finland next week.

He’s delighted to once again be representing his nation, having been a key performer for Northern Ireland in their superb start to the qualifying campaign.

But at the same time he expressed his amazement that keeper Chris Maxwell hasn’t been included in the Welsh squad for their forthcoming fixtures – a shock to some given the continued selection of Tranmere’s Owain Fon Williams.

“I’ve been talking to Maxi about it,” said McLaughlin.

“I think he should be in it.

“If you look at their backup goalkeepers there’s some who are not playing for their clubs.

“Maxi has been brilliant.

“I’d back him, I think he should be in there for Wales.

“It would be good for Maxi if he does.”

With his own international career gathering momentum, McLaughlin knows he’s got to keep up the hard work with a real chance of playing in France next summer.

He said: “I’m still working hard at because in international football you can lose your place at any time. If you have a bad game or two, you lose your place for your club.

“It can happen any minute. I’ll take nothing for granted.”