Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Luxembourg vs Northern Ireland: NI ‘under no illusions’ about task – Michael O’Neill

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Northern Ireland head into the game off the back of a 2-0 win over Belarus in Belfast on Friday, when Dan Ballard and Dion Charles scored the goals.

While O’Neill said there were “some aspects” his side can improve, he was pleased with the patience shown by his youthful squad at Windsor Park.

Northern Ireland have no fresh injury concerns heading into Monday’s match, with Justin Devenny, who made his Premier League debut for Crystal Palace the week before the international break, fit again after a hamstring strain.

However, O’Neill will be without suspended centre back Ciaron Brown after the defender was booked for time wasting against Belarus.

O’Neill questioned the “impulsive, strange decision” from the referee, but says his squad have the ability to adapt despite missing Brown and injured defenders Eoin Toal and Paddy McNair.

“We’ve dealt with the loss of centre backs. We’ve lost Jonny [Evans] and Craig [Cathcart] in recent years, who were a big part of our team,” he added.

“We’ve seen the emergence of Dan Ballard and Eoin Toal, and Paddy McNair has played in that position a lot more now.

“Trai [Hume] can play in there and we’ve now a situation where we have Brodie Spencer, Kofi Balmer and young Ruairi McConville to choose from.

“If we can get through these games and we’re without three of our options at centre back then it’s a good sign of where we are going as a squad.”

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