McNair tipped to be right-back revelation

INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL PADDY McNair could prove to be a dynamic attacking force for Northern Ireland from right-back, according to manager Michael O’Neill.

Middlesbrough’s McNair has been more used to playing in midfield or at centre-back in his career to date but, after a stirring display in a new position in the 3-0 home victory over Israel last month, the 23-year old may have played himself into the starting line-up for the Nations League games against Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina on October 12 and 15.

Some fans suggested ex-Manchester United ace McNair was like a ‘Ballyclare Cafu’ such was his all-action performance at right-back.

O’Neill was also impressed. “I had a good conversation with Paddy before the Israel game and told him where I was going to play him,” said O’Neill.

“Paddy is a player I like to have in the team, but with the shape of the midfield, he nearly needs to get into the team ahead of Steven Davis, which is a big ask.

“He has to get his mind around to thinking that right-back or wing-back could be his position. Against Israel he was superb.

“That’s what we want; Paddy driving forward on the right and Jamal Lewis doing the same on the left. It gives you a real dynamic team.

“I’ve said to Paddy that people are paying £50m for full-backs these days, so it’s not a defensive position, it’s more an attacking position.

“With the game in front of him he gets to maximise the attributes he has; his running power and his quality on the ball. I was delighted with how he played and his attitude.

“Right now Paddy is not starting for Middlesbrough.

“The challenge for Paddy now is to get into the Middlesbrough team and be prepared to play anywhere at a time when they are flying at the top of the Championship.”

O’Neill added he would like to see Southampton’s Steven Davis, Leicester’s Jonny Evans and Leeds United’s Stuart Dallas play more for their clubs even if it doesn’t seem to have a negative impact on their international form.

As well as relying on those influential stars, the Northern Ireland boss is determined to bring in new blood with work continuing to bring more players on board.

“We are close to bringing players in,” O’Neill explained.

“There are no players out there born in Northern Ireland who we don’t know about, so if a player was to come through, it will be through eligibility.

“That’s constant work, and at times it’s one step forward and two steps back — that’s the nature of it and, at this minute in time, it’s a work in progress.

“There is no point in talking about names or someone else will go and approach them!” New role: Paddy McNair impressed in the friendly against Israel in the unfamiliar position of right-back