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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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“It’s difficult to say they’re ready to be senior international players. We have to be mindful of that,” said O’Neill.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“So for me, the emphasis has to be on using some of the squad in terms of development.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n