Northern Ireland U21 coach Steve Beaglehole has always been confident of the commitment of Newcastle United fullback Shane Ferguson.

The Evening Chronicle says Beaglehole believes Ferguson was never tempted to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, despite failing to respond to senior call-ups by former boss Nigel Worthington.

Newcastle star Ferguson is in Beaglehole's squad to face Serbia tonight in a Euro 2013 qualifier in Coleraine, providing further evidence of his commitment to Northern Ireland.