HEALY URGED TO WAIT FOR HIS UNITED CHANCE
Healy's record at international level makes for very impressive reading for a 21-year-old, having scored five goals in just six appearances for his country, and yet the striker remains well down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Healy is yet to play in the United first team, and he spent the end of last season on loan at Port Vale to gain some much-needed first team experience.
But now Northern Ireland national boss McIlroy and Schmeichel are tipping Healy to rise through the ranks at United in the coming seasons, urging the player to follow in the footsteps of England international David Beckham and stick it out at United until he gets his chance.
"I've always said he can get to the top," said McIlroy. "With five goals in six internationals, he can't be a bad player.
"He's already got Colin Clarke's Northern Ireland record of 13 in his sights and I think he will break it.
"Alex Ferguson rates him highly. He knows what he is doing at Northern Ireland and has just given him a new three-year contract.
"He did with David Healy what he did with David Beckham," added McIlroy. "He sent Beckham to Preston for experience and he sent Healy to Port Vale."
Beckham has since admitted that he considered quitting United when he was allowed out on loan, but Schmeichel is backing Healy to follow the midfielder's example and stay loyal to Alex Ferguson's side.
"David is not just there to play in the reserves," said Schmeichel. "All it takes is an opportunity and he has got to wait for that.
"That is the hard part, and it will require a lot of patience. At United you have to be very strong mentally, as well as gifted to make the grade."
Healy scored an outstanding goal past Schmeichel at the weekend, earning Northern Ireland a draw against Denmark, and he was delighted with the effort, which he said was unstoppable.
"It was definitely the greatest goal of my life," said the young striker. "I caught it perfectly and no keeper in the world would have saved it."
