John Schofield says Kofi Balmer has more than earned his place in Northern Ireland's senior squad and expects the Crystal Palace defender to grasp his chance.
Former Larne star Balmer earned a big summer move to Palace before being rewarded with a call-up to Ian Baraclough's Nations League panel.
Northern Ireland take on Kosovo on Saturday at Windsor Park before travelling to Greece for their final group game three days later.
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Under 21 boss Schofield has worked with Balmer at underage level, with the 22-year-old having previously captained the side before earning his promotion.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for him if he were my own son. His attitude and application is fantastic and he will max out everything he has got.," Schofield said.
“Whatever level he reaches it will be his max level as he will not leave anything to chance. He works hard and has had a good year with Larne where he has been full-time.
“He has shown a level of improvement in his game which is unbelievable, so he has given himself a good chance of doing well at Palace and his rewards include a call-up to the senior squad which is brilliant."
Schofield believes Balmer's experience has helped fast track the 22-year-old to the level he is at now.
Balmer amassed over 130 Irish League appearances with Ballymena United and Larne and had claimed double digit caps at Under 21 level with Northern Ireland.
“He’s there on merit and despite being young he has played nearly 200 games or something like that. He’s a quick learner, very rarely makes the same mistakes and is not afraid to ask questions," Schofield added.
“He’s striving to improve and you know he will do everything to the best of his ability. In that sense, you can hang your hat on him performing.
"If he gets a chance he will make the most of it and if not, he will keep fighting to get another opportunity because that’s I have seen from him from working with him over the last few years.”
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