ALAN Julian has an extra reason to be excited ahead of Billericay Town’s friendly against St James’ Swifts on Sunday.

Julian returns to his roots when Town make the trip to Belfast to face the Northern Ireland based non-league side.

Now 35, Julian has played twice for the Northern Ireland Under-21 team and on numerous occasions for other age groups.

And Julian, who qualifies to play for the country through his grandfather, says he is looking forward to making his first return to Northern Ireland in a decade.

“I can’t wait,” said Julian. “I have lots of cousins and aunties out there and the country has changed a lot from my early memories. There were soldiers everywhere (as the IRA sought to unify the country against British rule) and that was something that affected me from a young age.

“But when I was 16 I was called up for the Under-16s to play Germany. I played all the way up to the U21s and was on stand by for first team which was an honour in itself.

“The last time I went out there was about 10 years ago. I used to go out all the time. When my Nan passed away we stopped going.

“I asked the boss (Harry Wheeler) if we would have any free time and he said we would do so I am really looking forward to catching up with some family while we are out there.”

Julian drew 0-0 with Switzerland and was beaten 2-1 by Scotland in his two under-21 caps.

And he is also excited about the prospect of visiting Northern Ireland in the sunshine.

“When I heard we were going I was so pleased and it was even better to see the weather was going to be hot. It always seems to pour down when I’m there and it’s 32 degrees at the moment which will be a first.

“When St James’ Swifts came over last year I didn’t know much about them but they brought a good support. They were great and it will be nice to see them.”

Billericay kick-off against St James’ Swifts at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.