Martin Keown: Lack of NI players in top flight is a concern, but Michael O’Neill’s side can still thrive
Michael O’Neill's Northern Ireland side could have no players from the Premier League this season
Michael O’Neill believes Northern Ireland can be a force at international level without Premier League players, however Arsenal legend Martin Keown feels the former Stoke City boss will be concerned by a dwindling number of top flight performers.
Teenage midfielder Shea Charles has just left Manchester City to join Southampton in the Championship and unless experienced defender Jonny Evans seals a move back to the Premier League after suffering relegation with Leicester City, it’s possible there could be no Northern Ireland players featuring regularly in England’s top flight next season.
Winger Stuart Dallas has dropped into the Championship with Leeds United while Conor Bradley faces the massive challenge of being a regular for Liverpool.
O’Neill has argued: “As the Premier League continues to grow, the reality is we will have a limited number of players in that division.
“It’s not just us, there’s also a lack of Scottish, Welsh and even English players in the Premier League.
“When I came into the job in 2012, we had maybe six or seven Premier League regulars but that was a time when we weren’t doing particularly well.
“So, I don’t think having Premier League players is everything.
“There are successful international teams out there that do not have many Premier League players.”
But Keown, who won 43 England caps, says emerging Northern Ireland need to know they can reach the big stage.
“It is a concern for Michael O’Neill because he wants as many Irish players as possible playing at the highest possible level,” said McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Keown who also played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Everton,
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