Facebook
Britain's News Portal
Around The Clock
BREAKING
Loading latest headlines…

Teenage Duo O'Neill and Graham Named in Northern Ireland Squad

Ceadach O'Neill and Braiden Graham have retained their places in the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League quadruple-header, which will see the team play four matches in 11 days.

  • Ceadach O'Neill and Braiden Graham, both teenagers, are in the Northern Ireland squad.
  • Northern Ireland will play four Nations League matches between 25 September and 5 October.
  • Defenders Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin, and Eoin Toal have returned to the squad.

Arsenal's Ceadach O'Neill and Everton's Braiden Graham, both teenagers, have been selected for Northern Ireland's squad for the upcoming Nations League quadruple-header. The pair were first called up for June friendlies, with 18-year-old O'Neill featuring in both games.

Manager Michael O'Neill has named a 28-player squad for the intense schedule, an increase from the 23 players selected in June. The team will play four matches in an 11-day span.

Several players return to the squad after missing the June fixtures, including defenders Dan Ballard, Paddy McNair, Terry Devlin, and Eoin Toal. Goalkeepers Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Conor Hazard, along with striker Dion Charles, are also back. Dundee United defender Michael Forbes has also earned a place, having previously won a cap in 2023.

However, Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley remains absent due to knee surgery, having not played since January. Preston North End midfielder Ali McCann and Aberdeen's Brad Lyons are also sidelined.

Northern Ireland, who were promoted from the third tier last year, will kick off their 2026 Nations League B campaign with an away game against Georgia on 25 September. They will conclude the window at home to the same opposition on 5 October, with matches against Hungary in Belfast and Ukraine in Slovakia in between.

Why this matters: The inclusion of young talent alongside returning experienced players could shape Northern Ireland's performance in their Nations League B campaign.

Related Articles

Get the news that matters.

Join thousands of readers getting the best of British news straight to their inbox.