What next for Northern Ireland as World Cup wait continues?published at 10:08 GMT
10:08 GMT
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI
Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream may have come to a disappointing end in Italy, but attention quickly turned to what lies ahead.
The average age of Michael O’Neill’s starting team was just 22.5 years – the country’s second youngest on record since World War Two.
Paddy McNair was the only player over the age of 24, and O’Neill was missing three key players in Conor Bradley, Trai Hume and Ali McCann.
Despite that, a fearless young side frustrated the hosts, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to progress.
While the future of the team is on an upwards trajectory, questions have been asked about O’Neill’s long-term position as manager.
His decision to combine his Northern Ireland job with Blackburn Rovers was divisive among supporters and media, but he was adamant taking on the job would not impact the World Cup play-off.
He was true to his word as the performance in Bergamo backed it up.
After Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff, his focus will be on the remaining seven games in the Championship with Blackburn as he looks to help them avoid relegation.
He is contracted with Northern Ireland until 2028, and when asked about his future beyond the summer, he said he will “revert back to the status quo”.
Image source, Getty Images