Jesse Gomez and Paddy McClafferty on International Duty
Thursday, 11 September 2025
Spartans midfielder Jesse Gomez made his senior debut for the Gibraltan national side over the weekend, against an Albania side ranked 131 places above his side in the FIFA rankings. Defender Paddy McClafferty also featured for Los Llanis, as Albania secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty. McClafferty also featured in Monday's game against Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier, losing 1-0 once again in yet another close game.
Jesse Gomez has impressed the Spartans' faithful with his performances since coming into the side, displaying real quality in the final third.
Gomez expressed his pride of representing his country and his desire to return to Blyth stronger than ever:
Honestly it was an amazing feeling to have made my debut for my country. It was a very proud moment for me and something I've worked and trained very hard for. What made it even better was being in front of a home crowd. It was a great experience for myself. Albania are many spots higher than us on the FIFA rankings yet we gave them quite the game only conceding 1 goal. We also went through intense training throughout the entire camp and I even ended up playing an u21 match vs Czech Republic which ended 1-2. I think this puts me in good stead to hopefully return to Blyth stronger than ever!
Defender Paddy McClafferty has also been a mainstay in the Spartans back line, starting every game bar one before going away on international duty.
McClafferty spoke on how much it meant to him to be called up for his country:
My family were very proud and happy for me knowing how much it means to me. It's an honour to represent your country internationally so it's a moment you never take for granted.
McClafferty went on to talk about how international football helps develop his game:
You learn something new every time you get called for a camp. The professional set-up teaches you a lot, alongside with the quality of the boys and the expectations from the coaches. Exposure to such a high level demands a good standard that brings out the best version of yourself.
We look forward to seeing the Gibraltarian's back in a Spartans shirt soon!
Written by Isaac Kinghorn-Eastlake