Richie Parral, who plays for our reserve team in the TWR Wearside League, has been called up for Gibraltar’s Under 21 team this week.

Richie, who was born and bred in Gibraltar, has been called up for his country’s Under 21 squad to play Serbia on Friday and Russia on Tuesday.

Richie, who is studying English Literature at Teesside University, said; “We had our first ever win in October when we beat Macedonia, and this weekend we’ll be playing our matches in our new stadium, which has just been finished. It means that Gibraltar now has its own football stadium, and we’re hoping that it will be full this weekend. There are two Under 21 games, while the senior team are playing Latvia on Sunday in a friendly in between our games. It’s a proud moment.

“Playing for the Under 21s is a great opportunity to show how good you can be, and there’s a possibility that if anyone plays well on Friday night, then they might be chosen for the senior squad on the Sunday.”

Richie, who can play in midfield and defence, says playing for Quakers in the Wearside League is more physical than playing for Gibraltar.

“Coming to Darlington has improved my game,” he said. “It’s definitely more physical than Spain or Gibraltar. You certainly get elbowed more!

“My aims now are to do well for my country and at Darlington – and hopefully get into the first team squad.”