Callum Marshall to retain NI spot as Michael O’Neill builds for future
West Ham striker Callum Marshall is poised to retain his place in the Northern Ireland squad
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill is set to hand some young guns a chance in the last of the Euro 2024 qualifiers
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is set to put his faith in West Ham’s young goal machine Callum Marshall when he announces his final squad of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign today.
The 18-year-old has been in red-hot form for the Hammers’ Under-21s and cruelly had a dramatic late equaliser disallowed when making his Northern Ireland debut against Denmark in Copenhagen in June.
O’Neill handed senior international debuts to Bolton Wanderers centre-back Eoin Toal and Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons in the 1-0 defeat to Slovenia, and with qualifying hopes for the Finals in Germany next summer extinguished, he will continue to have one eye on the future.
As seasoned performers come to the end of their international careers, the former Stoke City boss will continue his approach of giving young players experience at this level.
Midfielder Shea Charles, who has started every game of this campaign, will not feature in Finland after his dismissal against Slovenia at Windsor Park.
Paddy McNair will be considered again after serving his suspension in that 1-0 defeat.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill is set to hand some young guns a chance in the last of the Euro 2024 qualifiers
Dan Ballard, who was handed the captain’s armband against San Marino, is fit again after a calf injury.
Former Glentoran midfielder Terry Devlin, who has just scored his first goal for Portsmouth, is knocking on the door, while some fans feel Kilmarnock striker Kyle Vassell warrants a recall.
Devlin’s Pompey team-mate, ex-Crusaders
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