News Focus
- Michael O’Neill targets better ball control in friendly matches against Guinea and France
- Teenage prospects Braiden Graham and Ceadach O’Neill receive first senior call-ups
- Squad aims to recover from World Cup play-off heartbreak against Italy
- Matches serve as preparation for Nations League clashes with Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine
- First-ever meeting with Guinea takes place in Spain on 4 June
Michael O’Neill wants his Northern Ireland side to use upcoming friendlies to improve their ball retention skills. The manager believes matches against Guinea and France offer the perfect chance to develop this aspect of their game.
The squad still carries the disappointment of their World Cup play-off defeat to Italy in March. These warm-up fixtures provide an opportunity to move forward. The team travels to Spain to face Guinea on 4 June, followed by a clash with France four days later.
O’Neill hopes these games will build momentum before the Nations League begins. Northern Ireland will compete against Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine in that tournament.
“We want the players to enjoy themselves and get as many involved as possible,” O’Neill told BBC Sport NI. He explained that while the team’s defensive work has been strong, he wants to see better possession football now.
The squad features two uncapped teenagers. Braiden Graham arrives from Everton’s under-21 side after scoring 22 goals in 31 appearances. Ceadach O’Neill joins from Arsenal’s academy. Neither has played for their club’s first team yet.
O’Neill stressed he will not place pressure on the youngsters. He noted that the period between ages 18 and 21 will determine whether they break into senior football at their clubs or need to seek experience elsewhere.
This will be Northern Ireland’s first meeting with Guinea. The African nation ranks ten places lower in the FIFA standings. O’Neill still expects a tough test against an athletic side managed by a new Portuguese coach.
He admitted scouting was difficult because footage remains scarce. However, he knows many Guinean players compete in European leagues and several learned their trade in the French system.
Both matches will be shown live on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer, with radio coverage on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster.