Shea Charles backs emerging internationals as competition grows in O'Neill's squad

Shea Charles has praised the competition for places within Northern Ireland's squad after a four-match Nations League window gave several younger players opportunities to establish themselves. In comments reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, the midfielder said everyone who had featured had demonstrated the ability to play and start for Michael O'Neill's team.

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Liverpool youngster Kieran Morrison made his competitive debut during the international break, while centre-backs Ruairi McConville, 21, and Tom Atcheson, 20, also featured in the campaign. Ceadach O'Neill came on for his fourth international appearance. BBC Sport reported that the appearance meant he could no longer change his international allegiance, adding another development to a window that extended beyond the results.

Charles said the longer period together had allowed more players to show their capabilities. He described the competition within the group as healthy and believed it would help the team improve. His assessment followed an extended spell in camp that he felt the players had handled well, with the excitement among supporters also reflected inside the dressing room.

Northern Ireland finished the window unbeaten and at the top of League B Group 2. According to the BBC report, they were the only side in this season's Nations League not to concede during the four-game break. They began with an away victory against Georgia, drew 0-0 with Hungary at Windsor Park, beat Ukraine in Trnava and then recorded another goalless home draw against Georgia.

Charles highlighted the team's handling of close contests away from home, praising the players' maturity when matches could have swung either way. At home, he felt Northern Ireland had created enough opportunities to score, including more against Georgia than against Hungary. He expressed confidence in the attacking players despite the two scoreless matches at Windsor Park.

The midfielder's positive assessment combined satisfaction with the results and encouragement about the options now available to O'Neill. Charles said the squad would continue approaching the campaign one game at a time, with the next task being to carry that form into November after a window that expanded opportunities across the team.