PRESTWICH lad Paul Tierney is hoping to fare a little better than England when he sets off on the international trail again next week.

Tierney, 18, a second year trainee professional with Manchester United, is currently out in Dublin with the Republic of Ireland Under-18 squad preparing for three matches in the preliminary round of the European Championships.

The squad jets out to the Czech Republic next week to play games against the host nation, Bulgaria and Moldova with the winners of the mini-tournament going on to the next stage of the championships.

Tierney, who attended St Monica's High School, in Prestwich before joining United, was a left-footed striker with the Manchester County team, but United have converted him into a centre half.

He currently plays with United's Under-19s in the Academy League, but has made a couple of appearances for the reserves already.

He is hoping to be offered a full professional contract when his YTS training ends next year.

The Irish experience is nothing new to him, although he is still in his infancy with them, having played just once before in a friendly against Switzerland.