Stevenege’s Northern Ireland U21 international Dale Gorman is loving life in the Stevenage first team.

The midfielder has started four of Boro’s last five games and went toe-to-toe with senior internationals earlier in the campaign in the EFL Cup against Mark Hughes’ Premier League Stoke City.

Speaking to The Comet, the 20-year-old who signed his first professional deal at the Lamex in August 2015, said of the season so far: “It’s been good, the last few games especially we have changed into a team that is changing, our philosophy is changing, it’s just really enjoyable to be part of it.

“It’s been frustrating the start of the season in some ways, but we know we are getting there as a team and we know we are doing the right things at the moment, we just need to keep doing it and the results will show.”

Gorman is part of a crop of young players, including Ben Kennedy (19) and loan players such as Henry Cowans (20), Harry McKirdy (19) and Tyler Walker (20), tasting regular first team action.

“The gaffer has shown a lot of trust in young players,” said Gorman who joined Stevenage from his hometown club Letterkenny Rovers.

“It’s brilliant for me especially as a young player you just always want to play and to get that run in the team now is good.

“It’s been positive for me I’m really enjoying my time in the team and hopefully I can stay there.”

Gorman had a glimpse of what it takes to reach the highest level of the game when he started the cup clash with Stoke City and lined up in midfield in direct competition with Welsh, Scottish and Republic of Ireland internationals.

“As a footballer that’s where you want to be at the top level and to play against players like that is an eye opener,” he said.

“To play against people like Joe Allen, Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam especially in my position where they have played at the top and they know where they are at.

“What you can do in games like that is pick up things and stay positive.”

Gorman himself is used to the international stage having played for his nation at various youth levels.

“It’s always good to go away and experience international games and get them under your belt,” he added.

“Sometimes it can be hard when you’re away and come back and its up to you to get back in the team, once you go the gaffer has to change it, it can be hard and frustrating but you have to dig in and try to get back in.”