O’neill welcomes youth as expectations are raised

By Northern Ireland manager Michael O’neill believes that elevated expectations can help continue the momentum his side have developed in their last two qualifying campaigns as he looks to younger players to freshen up his squad.

Having qualified for Euro 2016 and come close to reaching this summer’s World Cup, they will go into today’s Nations League opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina targeting promotion to Division A rather than fearing relegation to the third tier.

“It’s a great time for young players to come into the squad,” said O’neill. “In the early years it was difficult for them because we were struggling to get results.

“Now they come in and we’re on an upward curve. The benchmark is set higher for them. The lads coming in are going to have to perform well to stay in the squad and the team.”

Among those younger players is Leeds goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-farrell, who is hoping to make his first competitivestart.thedarlington-born 21-year-old recently received a call from an England coach asking if he might still consider switching, but he wants to stay loyal to Northern Ireland. If he plays today, a switch would no longer be permitted but O’neill said that would not determine his team selection.

“It’s always a factor but I’ll pick the goalkeeper that I think deserves to play,” he said. “At the end of the day I don’t think we’ll lose Bailey. He’s committed to us. But it’s a competitive game, the start of a new tournament. The goalkeeper that is chosen is the goalkeeper I think deserves to play.”

The changes are not just in goal. Chris Brunt has retired, while there will be a younger defence on show with Gareth Mcauley not match fit having only signed for Rangers on Monday, and Hearts’ Aaron Hughes is out with a calf injury.