The Kids Are Alright

It feels like only a short time ago Northern Ireland fans had an incredible worry over the future. Who would replace the aging Davis, McCauley, Evans et al.? Then Stuart Dallas' career came to an unfortunate end due to a knee injury in 2022. NI were an aging team and despite promoting U21s boss Ian Baraclough to the senior role, the same names seemed to be called up. The lack of fresh, younger face became a defining factor in poor results and more tournaments were missed out on. It all seemed doom and gloom at Windsor Park. Eventually Baraclough was dismissed and a return for Michael O'Neil was on the cards.

After coming away from the home double header this month against Slovakia (2-0,W) and Germany (0-1 L) there are a lot of positive feelings and gut reactions from the performances of the NI senior team. While they sit in third place, narrowly behind Slovakia for the playoff space. there is hope of a chance to qualify for the World Cup next year.

Firstly, let's take a look at the experienced players in the set-up. Bailey Peacock-Farrell was excellent. Some huge saves in both games, a clean sheet v Slovakia and looked much more comfortable with the ball at his feet. The 28 year-old recently marked his 50th cap for NI and showed that he can be a capable number one goalkeeper.

Paddy McNair played in the center of the back-three. Offering composure, ability to switch the play in possession and solid in duels when defending. He brings confidence to the Northern Ireland backline which is a quality that cannot be overlooked. NI must be definselvy sound if they are to get to the World Cup next year.

Josh Magennis is one of the few remaining active Euro 2016 heroes. His strength against the Germans was noticeable and caused them chaos at times. Off the pitch, it's understandable that he'd be a guiding figure to the younger players. He knows what it takes to qualify for a major tournament and holding nerve against the top countries.

Daniel Ballard sits somewhere in between. At 26 years old he has built experience on both international and domestic fronts. While at times kept out with his fair share of injuries this hasn’t hindered right to a space in the team. At the time of writing, He’s been involved in three clean sheets in five games for both NI and Sunderland. NI have found the missing piece that was thought to be lost when Jonny Evans retired.

Now, the young team. It is clear to see that Connor Bradley is an elite player already. While strong technically and physically, he also offers leadership despite only being 22. Be that encouraging Peacock-Farrell after a goal kick or setting the tone with a slide tackle. He provides a much needed spark that NI had lacked at times especially in the Baraclough tenure.

In elite level football you need players that always work hard. Northern Ireland have this throughout the squad but especially in Ethan Galbraith. The 24 year-old covered every blade of grass and provided a well-paced cross that saw NI take the lead v Slovakia. He has been a regular for Swansea this season with praises being sung for club and country. When combined with Bradley, Northern Ireland have a strong right side in attack but also defensively tough. This leads to NI being a dangerous team in transition.

Alongside Paddy McNair at the back, Trai Hume stands tall in a strong back line that is confident in possession too. After a fantastic start to the Premier League season with Sunderland, Hume brought that standard to Belfast in these two games. While his goal will grab headlines and media views, his strong presence defensively cannot go unnoticed. At just 23 years-old he can offer a place in the National setup for years to come.

To be fair, most of the names involved in the last two international games could be included here. Honourable mentions go to Shea Charles who has settled in especially in the last year. Justin Devenny, while struggling for game time at Crystal Palace does not look out of place with his fellow Premier League local internationals. Northern Ireland fans should be optimistic going into November’s international games against Slovakia (away) and Luxembourg (home). Two victories would see NI take second place and a spot in the Playoffs. A third place finish would highly likely still provide a playoff space via the Nations League. With the mix of experience and potential, Northern Ireland have every right to believe they can mix in with the top nations and compete at a major tournament for the first time since 2016. But then again, every member of the GAWA have never doubted this…