With Michael O'Neill having to do without his two most experienced goalkeepers for Nations League fixtures against Belarus and Bulgaria, opportunity knocks for either Pierce Charles or Luke Southwood
When in Belfast last week to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill backed goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell as his number one despite a difficult start to life at Birmingham City.
The former Leeds United and Burnley man was first choice during the final years of the manager's first stint in charge, through the tenure of Ian Baraclough and since O'Neill's return in 2022. "He has had a tricky enough start to his career at Birmingham, but this is a test, and he has to play through this period.
O'Neill was sufficiently impressed with the 19-year-old to bring him along with the senior squad to Spain for a pair of friendlies in June. Although Charles did not win a first cap, O'Neill cited his ability on the ball as a major attribute to his game. He has, however, been on the bench at Hillsborough with England Under-21 international James Beadle having been handed the number one jersey after his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion on a season-long loan deal.
O'Neill has consistently stressed a desire for his international players to be regularly playing at as high a level possible at their clubs.
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