Tommy Wright backs Northern Ireland Under-21s to show steel against Serbia
Northern Ireland Under-21s boss Tommy Wright has been inspired by his team's mentality
Tommy Wright says his Northern Ireland Under-21s are in good shape ahead of tonight’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Serbia at Mourneview Park (7.30pm).
Wright’s side are hoping to make it back-to-back wins in Group F to make it a perfect response after narrowly losing their two opening qualifiers last month.
Following 1-0 defeats to Luxembourg and Ukraine, there was pressure on Northern Ireland to turn the tide, and a resilient display in Azerbaijan has lifted spirits.
The only goal of the game at the Qarabag Stadium in Baku was scored by striker Ciaran McGuckin – and Northern Ireland had to play for almost two-thirds of the match with just 10 men.
Aaron Donnelly brought down Murad Velijev inside the penalty area and was shown a straight red card, but the visitors were spared further punishment when Dzhamal Dzhafarov sent the resulting penalty wide of the target.
Wright reflected: “We got a goal off a set-play which we worked on, and it’s difficult to win away games in international football or whatever level.
“We had some big moments in the game and other opportunities. We showed resilience and guts.
“They couldn’t break us down, and we showed quality and guts which you need to win games.
“It was a typical Northern Ireland performance; moments of good play, a lot of resilience, working hard for each other and togetherness.
“I’m really pleased for them, particularly after how we started the campaign. I’m so pleased for the boys after their good performance in Baku.”
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