Galbraith's style compared to Spanish legends

Galbraith, who signed a new long-term contract with the club last week, has been promoted to the senior international squad ahead of his country's massive European Championship play-off at home to Slovakia on 12 November.

The 19-year-old scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the dying seconds of our Under-23s' last outing with Everton at Leigh Sports Village.

Following the announcement of the Northern Ireland squad on Thursday, Baraclough compared the United Academy product in style to two of Spain's great playmakers.

"Ethan, over the last six months, we've seen a maturity in his play and the way he goes about his work day to day," he said.

“He's excelled with the Under-21s and he's a different type of player to anyone we've got in the senior squad.

"Hopefully it’s the start of a long career for him," added Baraclough. "Hopefully, he relishes his time from the start in this squad, rather than coming in from the Under-21 squad.

“He has earned his right with the way he has gone about his play for the last six months.

“Not to put too much pressure on his shoulders, but he’s our little [Andres] Iniesta or Xavi, someone who can get on the ball and manipulate the ball and find positive passes. Over the coming years, he will give us a different flavour to the squad.

"He’s been brought in a couple of times and made his debut against Luxembourg. For him to be picked outright, it’s a big moment for him, but he’s ready for it.

"He’s gone and signed a new deal with Man United and you can see there’s a real self-confidence about him.

“It’s great someone like that can be a shining light for the young players, knowing there are chances for them if they perform at their clubs."

Galbraith could play for United's Under-23s in Premier League 2 against Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday at 15:00 GMT, live on MUTV.