Young Liverpool winger in line for Northern Ireland chance
Just five days after their World Cup dreams came to an end, Wales and Northern Ireland face off in what is surely one of the most unappealing friendlies in history. It's a game neither team wanted, but Tuesday's game in Cardiff will offer the opportunity for new faces to be blooded with one eye on future qualification campaigns. The average age of Northern Ireland's starting team in the 2-0 defeat by Italy was just 22.
5, which was the second-youngest on record since the second World War. In fact, Paddy McNair was the only player over the age of 24 in Michael O'Neill's starting XI. With little on the line, who could get the chance to impress for Northern Ireland?
What next for Northern Ireland as World Cup wait continues? Age: 19 Club: Liverpool Position: Winger Caps: Zero Kieran Morrison has made two senior appearances for Liverpool in cup competitions Kieran Morrison has only made two senior appearances for Liverpool, but the 19-year-old earned a first call-up to Michael O'Neill's squad for this international window. Morrison, who can play on the wing or deeper in midfield, featured for Arne Slot's side in the EFL Cup loss to Crystal Palace, and against against Wolves in the FA Cup.
It is for Liverpool's Premier League 2 side where Morrison has really impressed this season, however, as he has been handed the captain’s armband by former Wales boss Rob Page. When the squad was announced, O'Neill said it was the "right time" to have a look at the versatile teenager. He was not involved in the matchday 23 in Italy, but will be tipped to play a part on Tuesday, whether that is from the start or off the bench.
Age: 19 Club: Blackburn Rovers Position: Defender Caps: Zero Tom Atcheson was a late call up to replace the injured Dan Ballard Tom Atcheson was a late call-up into the Northern Ireland squad after Dan Ballard's withdrawal through injury. The centre-back is a known quantity for O'Neill, who manages him at Blackburn Rovers. The 19-year-old was named man-of-the-match in Rovers' goalless draw with Championship front runners Middlesbrough before the international break.