Michael O’Neill remains hopeful but prepares for ‘a couple of difficult nights’
Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, is staying positive despite expecting tough challenges ahead. He acknowledges that the journey may not be easy but believes it is all part of the team-building process.
Venues, Dates, and Kick-offs:
– Venues: Bucharest & Glasgow
– Dates: Friday, 22 March & Tuesday, 26 March
– Kick-offs: 19:45 GMT
Romania coverage:
– Listen live on BBC Sounds and Radio Ulster with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Scotland coverage:
– Watch live on BBC Two NI & BBC iPlayer with live radio & text commentary on BBC Sounds, Radio Ulster & the BBC Sport website
Youthful Squad:
– The average caps in the 28-strong squad under Michael O’Neill is just 17.5, with an average age of 24.4.
– The team includes only two players over the age of 30.
– O’Neill aims to accelerate the development of younger talents for the future.
Building a Team:
– O’Neill emphasizes the importance of creating a team from a young player base.
– The team composition includes a mix of youth and experience, with a focus on adapting quickly to international football.
Culture and Togetherness:
– O’Neill sees the team’s close-knit culture and togetherness as vital for their future success.
– The squad, with 15 players aged 25 or younger, has a strong bond stemming from their early days.
– Developing a unique identity and style of play is the team’s ongoing goal.
Future Prospects:
– O’Neill views the upcoming friendliest against Romania and Scotland as valuable learning experiences for the squad.
– He aims to strengthen the squad with more options in various positions over the next 12 to 24 months.
