League B return, no Bradley and Kvaratskhelia test - NI talking points
Summary
Northern Ireland is preparing for its return to League B in the 2026 Nations League with a 28-player squad. The team faces four matches in 11 days against Georgia, Hungary, and Ukraine, dealing with challenges such as injuries and player availability.Key Facts
- Northern Ireland last played in League B in 2020 and won their League C group to get promoted.
- The team will play four games between 25 September and 5 October, including matches against Georgia (home and away), Hungary, and Ukraine.
- Manager Michael O’Neill named a larger 28-man squad due to the intense schedule.
- The four-game international window is new and includes challenges like managing injuries and suspensions.
- Arsenal forward Ceadach O’Neill, an 18-year-old with two senior caps, is expected to continue with Northern Ireland despite interest from the Republic of Ireland.
- Northern Ireland missed key player Conor Bradley due to ongoing injuries, affecting their options in attack.
- Promotion to League B means tougher competition but a chance for better seeding in Euro 2028 qualifying.
- Michael O’Neill highlighted that individual player skill can decide closely matched games, noting the absence of some key talent due to injury.
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