Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream may have been ended by Italy in March, but the squad for June’s internationals suggests Michael O’Neill has one eye on the future.
Friendlies against Guinea and France have given O’Neill the chance to bring in younger faces, with uncapped teenagers Braiden Graham and Ceadach O’Neill included in the squad.
Fresh off the back of signing a new four-year contract extension with NI, O’Neill said this window presents an opportunity to “accelerate players”.
Of course, there are no guarantees either will establish themselves in the squad, but it does provide an opportunity for them to showcase what they can offer at this level.
“It’s difficult to say they’re ready to be senior international players. We have to be mindful of that,” said O’Neill.
“They’ve had limited minutes at first-team level, but they’re in our pathway and we have to protect that and we have to show them the route to playing for ourselves and being a senior international, and that they’re highly regarded within our pathway as well.
“There are players that I could include instead of those younger players. If I’m honest, I don’t feel that they’re playing the club football at a high enough level that would affect the starting 11 at this minute in time.
“So for me, the emphasis has to be on using some of the squad in terms of development.”
But who are the youngsters hoping to help solve Northern Ireland’s long-standing struggles in the final third? BBC Sport NI has had a look.
