CHARLTON defender Luke Young is hoping to retain his place in the England side to play Northern Ireland tonight.

The 26-year-old made a solid full debut at right-back against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, restricting Manchester United's Ryan Giggs for much of the match.

And with his confidence boosted by his selection ahead of Everton's Phil Neville, who has more than 50 caps, Young will be hoping to put in another assured display at Windsor Park.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson expressed his satisfaction at his performance in Cardiff, saying that he "liked it very much".

Young said: "I enjoyed the first game and I'd like to play the second game.

"This is what you want as a professional player, when it comes you have to try and take your chance. I'll be looking to do that if I get another chance."

Should Young get the nod again tonight, his focus will surely switch to winning a regular place in future squads and securing a foot on the plane to Germany next summer should England qualify for the World Cup.