Northern Ireland’s record goal scorer David Healy believes Ian Baraclough has made an inspired decision appointing Roy Carroll as his goalkeeping coach.
Carroll, who won 45 caps and was part of Michael O’Neill’s Euro 2016 squad in France, steps into the role following the recent departure of Steve Harper.
The 43-year-old, who played for Dungannon Swifts in the Irish League last season, has been working with Gerard Lyttle’s U19 and U17 squads since February.
The Enniskillen native also deputised for Harper, who has been appointed Newcastle United’s academy manager, during recent World Cup qualifiers with Italy and Bulgaria.
“I’m delighted for Roy – he’s a brilliant man,” said Healy, who managed Carroll for three seasons at Linfield where the former Manchester United keeper won two league titles.
“The good thing about the appointment is that Roy is already accustomed to travelling with the current set up and understands what is needed.
“I’ve known Roy since he was a teenager and enjoyed numerous Northern Ireland trips with him and I’m really pleased for him.
“I know he was back playing last season at 43 – which was madness – but I think he has now realised the time is right to step away and create something in coaching.
“He has already done that with his soccer school and the rest of the coaching work he has been doing in the youth set-ups in Northern Ireland.”
Healy believes Northern Ireland’s promising crop of younger goalkeepers will benefit from coming into contact with a player of Carroll’s experience, drive and stature.
Liverpool’s Liam Hughes, who is 19, has been part of Baraclough’s senior panel for recent games, while Manchester United’s Dermot Mee (18) made his U21s debut last month.
Kai McLean, who signed a three year contract with Celtic earlier this month, also impressed on his U17s debut in a training camp friendly against England in June.
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