Midfielder Patrick Kelly, from Portstewart, scored his first senior international goal for Northern Ireland in a 3-1 defeat to France.

The 21-year-old found the net in the 64th minute, converting a cross from Shea Charles. Michael Olise had already scored a hat-trick for the visitors.

Kelly, who plays his club football for Barnsley in England’s League One, was named the club’s young player of the season for his debut campaign. He left West Ham United last summer in search of regular first-team opportunities.

His family watched the match at his father’s pub, the Top House in Portstewart. Speaking after the match, Kelly described the goal as meaning everything to him and said he was disappointed with the result but proud of the team’s performance against a strong French side.

He praised Charles for the assist, explaining that he anticipated the run and moved into space to receive the pass. Kelly also noted the physical speed and strength of the French players.