SHAKERS starlet David Buchanan is heading for Ireland for the UEFA Under-19 European Championships.

The Bury youngster, who has just signed his first pro contract, will leave pre-season training to join up with the Northern Ireland Under-19 squad.

The championships begin on Monday, July 18, and some games will be televised on Eurosport. Northern Ireland play Serbia and Montenegro on Wednesday (8pm) and Germany on Saturday (July 23, 6pm).

Speaking to Shakers' World young Buchanan talked about the competition and the chance to earn his sixth international cap.

"This is the competition that the squad have been aiming for since I first joined the squad last season in Italy. The call up came last weekend and I was over the moon with it.

"I just had to clarify it with the manager about releasing me for the competition, the gaffer is happy so I fly out tomorrow (Friday). I've got five international caps now, that's more international games than first team games at the moment, but after this tournament, it could be eight or more depending on if we get to the semi final or the final.

"It will be good for my experience because I will be playing against some of the best young players in the world.

"It's the same format as the European Championships for the older players, group stages, live TV and everything that goes with it. At youth level, there is only the World Cup bigger then this tournament."

"I can't wait to get over there now, it's just going to be the best experience of my life so far.

"There's not many of the senior players in football can say they have played at this level. I'm just proud to play for my country."

Uefa European Under 19 Championship official website