Young guns can step up in the world with NI: Big G

but it’s just about feeling comfortable with people.

“We’ve spent 10 days with each other and got to know each other. From that perspective, it’s good. Also, they get a feel for Michael, how the coaching works, how he wants to play, how he trains, what he expects from training.

“All of those things, going forward, are real positives from this trip because throughout the season in international football you don’t get together a lot. Further down the line we’re finding these games and tours in the summer beneficial.”

McAuley is looking forward to a short summer break and joining a new club for pre-season — as West Brom have not offered their centre-back a new contract.

Then the inaugural Nations League will take place in September and Northern Ireland play their opening match against Bosnia at Windsor Park on the eighth of that month.

Boss O’Neill will welcome back the 10 regular internationals who missed the Central America tour for various reasons and, along with some of the youngsters on this trip coming into contention for a place in the next squad, there could be a new face in the panel with Huddersfield’s former Republic of Ireland Under-21 defender Sean Scannell, who has switched allegiance, available.

QPR midfielder Sean Goss, who was sent out on loan to Rangers last season, and Partick defender Niall Keown are also currently considering O’Neill’s invitation to make themselves available for Northern Ireland.

McAuley is thrilled that Northern Ireland is now an attractive proposition for players.

McAuley added: “There’s a few other lads who have got paperwork submitted who want to come and play. That’s great for the country going forward.

“We want to produce more players through the Under-21s and the youth set-up. The future’s bright going forward. It’s that feel-good factor that everyone now wants to be a part of.”