AFTER more than playing their part in today's tremendous victory over Darlington, both Mike Williams and Neil Taylor emerged from the home dressing room in their FAW tracksuits, ready to head down to the U21 squad's hotel near Heathrow.

They will team up with boss Brian Flynn, ready to fly out to Malta for next Tuesday afternoon's UEFA championship qualifier at the home of Hibernians FC.

"It was great to be involved today," said Mike.

"Over the last few weeks the team has done well and that makes you even keener to be involved.

"I played for the reserves in midweek, and felt I did well at Rochdale. If there was a chance to get back into the side, then I wanted to make sure I was ready to take the opportunity.

"Going away with Wales is a great break, especially at the moment, with the results we have had in this group.

"It is still going to be tough to qualify, but we have given ourselves a chance and if we can win in Malta, then that just helps our cause."

His manager at the Racecourse was happy with Mike's contribution today.

"I thought that Mike was one of our top players, I thought that he was outstanding and played really, really well," said Brian Little.

"That is what Mike is here for; he is an under-21 international and he wants to be in the team and today he staked his claim.

"He is 21, playing in a team where eight out of the sixteen are new faces and I hope that the new people bring the best out of those who were already here."

Also clocking up a few airmiles this week will be Northern Ireland pair Mike Carvill and Robbie Garrett, who will be in their country's U21 party that is heading out to Isreal!