Shrimper Smith in Euro qualifiers for Ireland Youth

16-year-old Smith, who plays in central midfield, qualifies for Ireland through his grandmother and played for his new country in the Syrenka International Cup in Lodz, Poland, where he took part in matches against Russia, Sweden and Romania.

Though they lost 2-1 to Sweden, they beat Russia 2-1 and Smith assisted in two of the goals in Ireland's final game, an oustanding 4-1 victory over Romania.

Young George will join his Irish team mates in Bulgaria between September 29 and October 2 to play Sweden, Bulgaria and Latvia. The results deciding whether they will feature in the finals in Liechtenstien during May 2010.

Smith told the official site: "I'd trained with Ireland at the end of last season but the games at the Syrenka Cup were my first. There are some really good players involved, from some top premier League clubs, so it will only help me as a player. It does mean that I am away from the under 18's a bit but they have started well and hopefully when I'm available I can be involved."