CAOLAN McALEER feared his international dream had passed him by as he waited anxiously for his phone to ring.

But the Partick Thistle youngster admits the wait was well worth it after starring for Northern Ireland in the Milk Cup this month.

Just weeks after penning a new two-year deal with Jackie McNamara's side, the 18-year-old winger headed back across the water to represent his country in the prestigious youth tournament.

Steve Robinson's side were handed a tough group after being drawn with Denmark, Mexico, Chile, the US and Turkey in the Elite Section of the competition.

McAleer went head-to-head with some of the world's top young talents during his return home, ensuring his time spent waiting by the phone was not wasted.

He said: "It was a brilliant experience for me. I really enjoyed it.

"I had heard that I was getting picked so the FA contacted Thistle and Jackie told me I was in the squad.

"I got a text saying that I was in, but it was a while after the other boys had been told. I began to think that I wasn't getting picked so it was a relief to finally get my text.

"I was wondering what was happening because Jackie had told me I was getting picked and the other boys in the squad were putting it on Twitter that they had been told officially.

"I had an anxious few days waiting on the text coming through. It was a relief when everything was finally sorted and I knew I was going over."

McAleer saw action in all three of Northern Ireland's group stage ties, although he couldn't prevent them missing out on a final berth on home soil despite a hat-trick of star showings.

He said: "Jackie was more than happy for me to go and enjoy the experience. It was a great few days for me. I played in all three games.

"We got beaten 5-3 in the first game against Chile, we drew 0-0 with Mexico, who are the world champions at that level, and then we beat Turkey 1-0 in the last match.

"I played the full game against Mexico and came on at half-time in both of the other games. It was a great experience.

"Some of the guys there were excellent players and there are some signed up with big Spanish clubs like Sevilla.

"They are all world class players so it was great for me to be able to play against them.

"The manager was impressed with me so he told me to just keep playing well, so hopefully I can get myself into more international squads in the future."

The winger will spend this season on loan in the Junior ranks with Arthurlie as he bids to make the grade at Firhill.