DARKO’S DREAM

Darko Churlinov has the chance to live two childhood dreams this weekend when North Macedonia take on Italy and England

There could be a familiar face to look out for if you’re watching England’s 2024 Euro Qualifier at North Macedonia on Monday night.

Burnley’s Darko Churlinov is part of the home side’s squad and the match is being played in his home city of Skopje.

As you’d imagine – he’d love to be involved: “Absolutely yes! We’re gonna see. It’s not up to me! It’s up to the coach. But if he picks me I feel good, I’ll be ready and I’ll be there.

“I always followed Premier League when I was young. It’s the best in the world!

“I didn’t have a specific team to be honest but I watched Arsenal and a lot of Newcastle as well because the fans were so good! That’s why I liked them. But I never had a favourite team from England.

“Now I have the chance to play against England for my national team and I’m really looking forward to it! Hopefully I’m going to score and it’s going to be nice!”

Before they face England, North Macedonia travel to Rome to take on Italy. A big chance to live a childhood dream: “Sure! When I was young I remember all my family were big fans of AC Milan. I was always a fan too and I dreamed of playing in Italy.

“My first shirt was from Shevchenko. I met him when we played against Ukraine. I shook hands with him! It was like when I was a young fan again!

The 23 year old winger is also back training with the first team again – five months after having suspected blood poisoning while he was away on international duty.

“I feel very good! I train fully with the team again now and I’m very happy for that.

“I’ve played a few matches for the under 21s and think I played well. I also played with the national team [against Armenia and Ukraine] and now I’m going again with them. So we’ll see, yeah!”