Many Leeds United supporters have been reacting on social media after Whites product Alfie McCalmont hit the latest milestone of his burgeoning career by making his full international debut for Northern Ireland.
The 19-year-old was a key part of Carlos Corberan Leeds’ Under 23s side last season (Belfast Telegraph) as they clinched the Professional Development League North Division title, and saw his efforts rewarded with minutes in the Whites’ first-team during their pre-season this summer.
Some Leeds fans were particularly impressed by his display against York City and voiced their thoughts in reply to an official club post focusing on his involvement, as the Elland Road natives ran out 5-0 victors after Marcelo Bielsa named a strong XI including Pablo Hernandez, Jack Harrison and now-RSC Anderlecht forward Kemar Roofe.
McCalmont’s career has continued to be on an upward trajectory since the 2019/20 season commenced in full, as well, making his full Whites debut last month (TransferMarkt) by coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup trip to Salford City before starting the Second Round defeat at home to Stoke City.
Bielsa has also named McCalmont on the bench for the West Yorkshire outfit’s league games with Brentford, Stoke and Swansea City.
Now, the young midfielder has taken to the full international stage, after representing Northern Ireland at U19 level five-times, by coming off the bench as Michael O’Neill’s Green and White Army beat Luxembourg 1-0 in a friendly at Windsor Park on Thursday night.
McCalmont was only drafted into the senior squad as a late replacement for Middlesbrough’s George Saville after impressing O’Neill while training with the U21s.
Leeds fans have been full of praise for their side’s product’s latest landmark achievement…
fully deserved alfie,such a calming influence on ball MOT
— chris wilson (@willowlufc) September 6, 2019
First one of over a 100 . Premiership with Leeds . We know it’s happening
— Paps (@coophos) September 6, 2019
First of many. MOT.
— Jaggybabs (@Jaggybabs69) September 6, 2019
Congrats Alfie . Delighted for ya lad
— Cillian Mc Donagh (@DonaghCillian) September 6, 2019
Well done mate was great to see you coming on, first of many in the years to come #gawa #mot
— Dean Irwin (@DeanIrwin81) September 5, 2019
Great to see you on the pitch. Mature performance and one for the future.
— Andy Longstaff (@ClipperBoyz) September 5, 2019
Nice one Alfie many more to come for club and country! Keep up the hard work, it’s all paying off right now! #MOT #GAWA
— Ashli Burchill (@AshliBurchill) September 5, 2019
Congrats Alfie many more to come for you well done
— Jordan Townend (@PLATINUMnotGREY) September 5, 2019
Congrats Alfie! Big season for you this one
— Ryan (@RPlufc93) September 5, 2019
