Rasharkin star basks in FA Cup limelight

The Co Antrim town of Rasharkin was revelling in the spotlight today following a remarkable FA Cup final performance by a local 21-year-old lad.

Chris Baird was playing in only his third top level match for Southampton after manager Gordon Strachan sprang a major surprise by naming the Northern Ireland Under-21 international in his 11 man team for Saturday's cup final in Cardiff.

Although Southampton were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal, Chris showed remarkable composure at full-back against players such as Robert Pires and Thierry Henry, leading to praise from such luminaries as Alan Hanson and manager Strachan.

Chris said: "The first I knew I was playing in the final was at training on Friday morning.

"The boss, Gordon Strachan, just walked into the changing rooms and read out the team.

"Obviously I was surprised and the first thing I did was phone home to tell my family. The FA Cup final is one of the biggest games in football.

"But the only time I felt nervous was walking up the tunnel at the start - I looked across and saw some of the world-class stars in the Arsenal team.

"But once I got on to the pitch, that sort of thing didn't faze me. I'm still in a bit of a dream world but now it's time to get my feet on the ground and push ahead with my career."

However, Saints boss Strachan was full of praise for his young defender describing Baird's performance as commendable. He added: "He made his full debut last week at Maine Road but we felt we needed more strength down that side because that is an area where Arsenal expose you and he was absolutely fantastic."

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy was also full of praise for Chris and it looks like his performance will earn him a place in Sammy's squad for the upcoming friendly away to Italy in June followed by the Euro 2004 qualifier against Spain at Windsor Park a few days later.

McIlroy said: "I've had him training occasionally with the squad but his time has now arrived. He came of age in the final and has an excellent future."

(MB)